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“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.

The outro of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix uses a descending circle of fifths chord progression, which is a very common progression in many styles of music, particularly in the Baroque period and in blues-based rock music. The progression features a steady descent through the Circle of Fifths that creates a strong sense of harmony and resolution. In this context, Jimi Hendrix uses the progression to create tension and momentum, which is appropriate for an outro section.

The chord progression throughout this verse of Beck’s “Lost Cause” is predominantly in the key of F Major with some chords from its relative minor (D minor). The use of borrowed chords adds variety and color to the progression, and the alternation between F major and C major chords creates a strong sense of tonality and grounding in the key of F Major. The use of Am and E7 chords provides a brief tension and leaning toward the parallel key of F minor before resolving back to the original key. This adds interest and complexity to the otherwise straightforward progression.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

The chord progression in the verse of “When You Die” by MGMT can be analyzed as a blend of traditional diatonic harmony and chromaticism. The song is in the key of G major with elements of modal interchange and a brief modulation to the relative minor key, E minor. The progression features a mix of both major and minor chords and gives the piece a sense of melancholy and uncertainty.

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