Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah – Verse 1
Hallelujah < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am
Chord Progression Analysis
C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), C major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), F major (‘IV’), G major (‘V’), C major (‘I’), G major (‘V’), C major (‘I’), F major (‘IV’), G major (‘V’), A minor (‘vi’), F major (‘IV’), G major (‘V’), E7 (‘V7/vi’), A minor (‘vi’)
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Borrowed chord: E7 (‘V7/vi’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Imagine” by John Lennon: C (‘I’), E7 (‘V7/vi’), F (‘IV’), G (‘V’), G11, F (‘IV’), G (‘V’), C (‘I’)
2. “Let It Be” by The Beatles: C (‘I’), G (‘V’), A minor (‘vi’), F (‘IV’), C (‘I’), G (‘V’), F (‘IV’), C (‘I’)
These examples showcase a similar emotional impact through the use of borrowed chords and diatonic patterns. While not identical to “Hallelujah,” they demonstrate how different artists modify canonical progressions for their own purposes, evoking various emotions in listeners.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with a simple I-vi alternation, establishing the tonality of C major. The first borrowed chord, E7, is a secondary dominant that leads perfectly to A minor (‘VI’), evoking emotions in the listener. This borrowed chord adds tension and richness to the progression.
The progression makes use of many standard moves such as the IV-V-I (F-G-C) and subsequent V-IV-V (G-F-G) patterns. However, the introduction of the borrowed E7 chord creates a notable deviation from the norm, making this chord progression more unique and memorable.
Overall Analysis
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a well-known example of a poignant, introspective ballad with a mix of pop, folk, and gospel elements. It features intricate, emotionally evocative chord progressions that move beyond typical diatonic patterns and uses borrowed chords to create an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Style Analysis
Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” demonstrates a fusion of musical styles, including elements of pop, folk, and gospel. This is exemplified by the chord progression, which combines standard diatonic moves with the more unexpected, such as the borrowed E7 chord. The rich harmonic texture contributes to the introspective, contemplative feel of the song, a characteristic of many singer-songwriter ballads from the era.
What are the chords in: Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah – Verse 1?
C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am
