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Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a blues-influenced rock ballad by Led Zeppelin. Its chord progression showcases the band’s eclectic mix of blues, rock, and jazz influences. The progression is characterized by a mix of diatonic and chromatically altered chords, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of harmony and emotional depth that is typical of Led Zeppelin’s music.

“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.

The chord progression for Verse 3 of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a repeating pattern of C, G, D, A, E. The progression employs one borrowed chord and is loosely structured around the circle of fifths. The song features a blues-rock style, with a heavy emphasis on guitar playing and expressive solos.

Grizzly Bear – Yet Again – VERSE 3

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Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’]

Chord Progression Analysis

This is the chord progression for Verse 3:
“`
– A minor (‘i’)
– G major (‘VII’)
– C major (‘III’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– E minor (‘v’)
– A minor (‘i’)
– D minor (‘iv’)
– A minor (‘i’)
– G major (‘VII’)
– C major (‘III’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– E minor (‘v’)
– A minor (‘i’)
– D minor (‘iv’)
– A minor (‘i’)
– G major (‘VII’)
– C major (‘III’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– F major (‘VI’)
– E minor (‘v’)
– A minor (‘i’)
– D minor (‘iv’)
“`
Borrowed chord:
“` D minor (‘iv’) is a borrowed chord from the parallel key (A minor) “`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Paranoid Android [“Em, G, D, Am”]
“`
– E minor (‘i’)
– G major (‘III’)
– D major (‘VII’)
– A minor (‘iv’)
“`

2. Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 [“G, D, C, C”]
“`
– G major (‘I’)
– D major (‘V’)
– C major (‘IV’)
– C major (‘IV’)
“`

These songs show similar use of the minor i chord, and also employ sequences of III, VII, and IV chords. They share a similar exploratory, haunting quality with “Yet Again”.

Musical Analysis

In A minor, the primary chords are Am, Dm, Em (i, iv, V). Here, we see those primary chords present, along with chords borrowed from the parallel major (A major)—those chords being C, F, G which are III, VI, and VII respectively. The presence of ‘VII’ (G major) and ‘VI’ (F major) chords add a mixolydian flavor to the song. The repeating sequence of ‘III-VI-VI-V’ contributes to the haunting feeling of the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear uses a repetitive verse structure that has a fairly common, major-oriented progression, but develops interest by alternating the exact sequence of chords that it employs. This gives the song a haunting but familiar atmosphere. The mixture of minor and major chords, along with the presence of a borrowed chord, creates tension and release within each verse.

Style Analysis

Grizzly Bear’s style is often characterized by complex harmonic structures and detailed arrangements. Their use of dynamics and layering in “Yet Again” is typical of their oeuvre and creates a sense of space, depth, and emotional resonance. The progression and construction of the song reflect influences from both classic rock and progressive pop, marrying simplicity in song structure with a complex and emotionally charged harmonic language.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Yet Again by Grizzly Bear are:

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm’]