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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand” is an interesting and unique composition with an innovative chord progression. The song is in the key of G major and is characterized by an engaging and complex harmonic structure that showcases Hendrix’s skill as a songwriter and performer. The chord progression, though relatively simple, creates a sense of depth and movement uncommon during that time period.

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“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song characterized by various compositional techniques including chromaticism, borrowed chords, and unexpected chord progressions. The harmonic choices show Hendrix’s innovation as a songwriter, with influences of blues, rock, and jazz. The chord progression in Verse 3 mixes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression.

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The song “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John is brilliantly harmonized, showcasing the great musical arrangement skills of John at his best. Primarily, the song is based in the key of C Major and uses a variety of moving bass lines over mostly diatonic chords in the verses and choruses. There are some key modulations and borrowed chords that give the harmony a rich and complex quality which sets it apart from many contemporary pop songs.

Verse

The song in question, “Endlessly” by Muse, is a reflective and emotional piece, featuring a fairly unique chord progression. The verse’s chord progression is not commonly heard in popular music, giving it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs. The use of suspended chords, the shift from Am to Bm, and the resolution to the E7 chord give the piece a floating, ethereal feel.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

F, Am, Em7, F, C, G, F, Am, Em7, F, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

F Fmaj (‘I’), Am Amin (‘vi’), Em7 Emin7 (‘iii7’), F Fmaj (‘I’), C Cmaj (‘IV’), G Gmaj (‘V’), F Fmaj (‘I’), Am Amin (‘vi’), Em7 Emin7 (‘iii7’), F Fmaj (‘I’), C Cmaj (‘IV’), G Gmaj (‘V’)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “In My Life”
Verse: A A maj (‘I’), E E maj (‘V’), F#m F#min (‘vi’), A A maj (‘I’), G G maj (‘IV’), A A maj (‘I’), C#m C# min (‘iii’), F#m F# min (‘vi’), Bm B min (‘ii’), E E maj (‘V’), A A maj (‘I’)

2. Radiohead – “Subterranean Homesick Alien”
Verse: C Cmaj (‘I’), Fmaj7 Fmaj7 (‘IVmaj7’), G Gmaj (‘V’), Amin7 Amin7 (‘vi7’), Dm Dmin (‘ii’), C#dim C#dim (‘#ividim’), Bdim Bdim (‘#iiidim’), C Cmaj (‘I’)

These examples demonstrate the use of similar harmonic movements and the incorporation of borrowed chords to create complexity and depth in the chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Castles Made Of Sand” begins with a I-vi-iii7-I movement, which is common in pop music and creates a sense of tension and release. The following progression (IV-V) provides a sense of resolution through the use of the dominant chord (G), helping to establish the key of F major. It is interesting to note that the iii7 (Em7) chord is borrowed from a minor key, adding to the song’s emotion and complexity.

Overall Analysis

“Castles Made Of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, featured on the 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The chord progression in the verse is notable for its use of both diatonic and chromatic chords, creating a complex harmonic structure that reflects the intricate guitar work and emotive lyrics of the song.

Style Analysis

Jimi Hendrix’s style is characterized by his innovative and expressive guitar playing, incorporating various techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides in his chord progressions and melodies. “Castles Made Of Sand” is an example of his use of intricate chord progressions and lush harmonies to create a sense of depth and emotion in his music. The song is also notable for its poetic lyrics, which tell a story of fleeting dreams and the impermanence of life.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Castles Made Of Sand by Jimi Hendrix are:

F, Am, Em7, F, C, G, F, Am, Em7, F, C, G