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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

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.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

The chord progression in MGMT’s “Congratulations” contains a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, which provide a combination of stability and tension throughout the progression. The harmonic rhythm is slow, and the progression is mostly driven by bass line movement and voice leading. The mixture of borrowed chords, inversions, and suspended chords contributes to the overall unique character of the piece.

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the chord progression along with their Roman numeral notation:

F Major (IV), A Minor (vi), E Minor 7 (iii7), F Major (IV), C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), A Minor (vi), E Minor 7 (iii7), F Major (IV), C Major (I), G Major (V)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (Verse Chords)
Am (i), Am/G (i), Am/F# (i), Am/F (i), G (VII), D (IV), E (V), E7 (V7)

2. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)” (Verse Chords)
Am (i), Am/C (i), G (VII), G/F# (VII), F (VI), Fm (vi), E7 (V7), E7sus4 (V7sus4)

Both of these examples show the use of major and minor tonalities and non-diatonic chords within their verse progressions, similar to “Castles Made of Sand.” They also incorporate borrowed chords and variations in bass notes, which contribute to the overall sense of tension and release within their respective chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

Harmonically, this progression features some non-diatonic chords, specifically the E Minor 7, which functions as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key, C minor. This gives the progression an interesting twist and enhances its sense of tension and release.

“`
Borrowed chord: E Minor 7 (iii7, from C minor)
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The use of the iv degree, F Major, in the beginning also adds to the tension of the progression – by avoiding the typical tonic chord resolution to I (C Major), the passage is given more momentum, which helps propel it forward.

There’s also a common harmonic cadence known as the plagal cadence (IV – I) when the chords move from F Major to C Major. Moreover, the progression employs the V (G Major), which has a dominant function, creating a perfect authentic cadence (V – I) at the end, providing a sense of harmonic closure.

Overall Analysis

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique and colorful chord progression, blending major and minor tonalities in a way that creates tension and a sense of longing. The verse consists of a 12-chord progression that builds upon the foundation of the major key of C, even though it starts with the IV chord (F), which contributes to the song’s unusual character. The progression includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor and elements specific to Hendrix’s own style, making it a remarkable piece in terms of its harmonic complexity and eclecticism.

Style Analysis

Jimi Hendrix was known for his remarkably versatile technique, both as an instrumentalist and composer, which is demonstrated in the chord progression. It epitomizes his talent for blending different harmonic elements, such as major and minor tonalities, or extended chords, like Em7. These diverse characteristics contributed to defining the psychedelic and experimental qualities of his music during the 1960s and 70s.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Castles Made Of Sand by Jimi Hendrix are:

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