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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.

“Hey Joe” is a famous song by Jimi Hendrix, which features a simple yet very effective chord progression throughout its verses. It has a five-chord progression, which is C, G, D, A, and E. This progression creates a strong and recognizable flow, thus contributing to the song’s iconic status.

The progression from B to A to E is a common progression in pop and rock music. This progression utilizes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, meaning that the chords all belong to the same key and it suggests the use of borrowed chords. A Perfect Circle tends to use a lot of downward motion in their chord progressions, moving from higher to lower pitches, which can give their music a distinct ‘heavy’ feel.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is a classic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song features an introspective and expressive melody with a predominantly acoustic instrumentation. The chord progression for Verse 2 demonstrates a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with borrowed chords from parallel modes, which adds to the emotional depth of the piece.

The song “Yellow” by Coldplay uses a fairly standard pop/rock chord progression in the key of G major. It comprises three chords for the main progression: G Major (I), D Major (V), and Cmaj7 (IV7).

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