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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

For Verse 1: [‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Here is the

Similar Chord Progressions

“Iris” is an example of the band’s mixture of intimate, heart-on-the-sleeve lyricism with catchy, anthemic pop/rock. These chords are often used in rock, pop, and folk to create a deep emotional resonance. The repetition of the progression throughout the song could symbolize the ongoing struggle of the song’s protagonist in expressing his or her feelings.

Musical Analysis

“`
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Overall Analysis

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

Style Analysis

This chord progression firmly establishes the key of D major (I). The progression moves from the tonic D Major to the predominant (the chords that set up/lead to the dominant, V) E minor (ii) and G Major (IV) chords. Right after that, the chord progression jumps to B minor (vi), which is relative to D Major. Then it falls to the dominant A Major (V), and returns to the subdominant G major (IV). This journey from tonic through relative minor and back adds an undertone of complexity to the progression’s otherwise straight-forward major sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]