Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

“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.

“Eleanor Rigby” is known for its unusual and innovative use of the Aeolian mode, otherwise known as the natural minor scale, which is reflected in the chord progression Em – C. The song incorporates string arrangements and has a narrative, storytelling style. Unlike most pop and rock songs of the time, it does not contain drums or guitars. The chord utilization is simple with only two chords used throughout, Em and C, but it nevertheless creates a unique and haunting soundscape.

The chord progression can be divided into three main sections (please see the details below). The first section is based around the I chord (C), the second section introduces the IV chord (F), then it returns to the I chord. The third section introduces a borrowed chord (bVII – Bb from C Mixolydian), a V chord (G), then returns to the I chord with a brief excursion back to the V chord. There is repetition in this section with the return to the I chord.

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression shows an alternation in the use of Major and Minor chords, creating dynamic tension and contrasting feelings of positive/negative, tension/release. The unique progression, D – Em – G – Bm – A – G, sets up an interesting and unusual harmonic rhythm. There’s a reliance on IV and V Major chords and the ‘home’ chord is only resolved to periodically, which aids the song’s emotional intensity.

Similar Chord Progressions

“`plaintext
Em7 (ii7)
G (IV)
Dsus4 (Isus4)
A7sus4 (V7sus4)
“`

Musical Analysis

“Iris” has a distinct alternative rock style. There’s a sense of heart-on-sleeve emotional truth along with an edgy sound. This comes partially from the unique chord progressions used in the song. Additionally, there is a generous use of open chords throughout.

Overall Analysis

“`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)
“`

Style Analysis

One song to compare “Iris” with might be “Wonderwall” by Oasis. “Wonderwall” has its distinct flavor, yet shares some similarities in the chord structure with “Iris”.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

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