Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Chorus 1
Castles Made Of Sand < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, D, F, C
Chord Progression Analysis
– G major (I)
– D major (V)
– F major (bVII)
– C major (IV)
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Borrowed Chord: F major (bVII)
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Similar Chord Progressions
Musical Analysis
The chord progression of the chorus in “Castles Made of Sand” presents a somewhat unexpected use of borrowed chords. Although the first two chords, G major (I) and D major (V), fit within the traditional diatonic harmony of G major, the F major (bVII) chord is borrowed from the parallel minor key of G minor. This borrowed chord creates a unique tension through its unexpectedness as well as its role as the bVII in a harmonic “backdoor” progression, which resolves to the IV chord, C major. This type of progression is non-diatonic, further contributing to the song’s distinctive atmosphere.
Overall Analysis
“Castles Made of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, found on his 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The song is in the key of G major and features a chord progression that is both simple and innovative in its use of borrowed chords and voice leading. The progression can be seen as an indirect approach to the IV chord (C) which gives the progression a sense of unresolved tension. The overall sound of the song is characterized by its dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere.
Style Analysis
“Castles Made of Sand” embodies the innovative approach to harmony and chord progressions that is characteristic of Jimi Hendrix’s music. The song is an ideal representation of the psychedelic rock genre, combining classic rock elements with a more experimental use of harmony and melody, as well as distinctive guitar techniques such as guitar feedback and reverse tape effects. The song also features a poetic and introspective lyric, drawing on themes of impermanence and the fragility of human experience.
Similar Chord Progressions by Other Artists and Their Chord Progressions:
1. The Beatles – “Dear Prudence”
– D major (I)
– A major (V)
– C major (bVII)
– G major (IV)
2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
– A minor (i)
– Emaj7 (V/iv)
– D major (IV)
– G major (bVII)
3. Led Zeppelin – “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
– A minor (i)
– G major (bVII)
– D major (IV)
– F major (bII or Neapolitan)
What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Chorus 1?
G, D, F, C
