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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique chord progression and distinctive guitar techniques that were ahead of its time. The song was released in 1967 on the album “Axis: Bold as Love” and showcases Hendrix’s innovative approach to guitar playing and songwriting.

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.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a multi-genre masterpiece that incorporates elements of ballad, opera, and hard rock, showcasing Queen’s versatility and musical potential. The song is mainly in the key of Bb major, but it aggressively utilizes modulations, chromaticism, borrowed chords, and modally mixed chords. The given chord progression is from the verse that follows the opera section, here Queen offers an unusual, nuanced chord progression that complements the surrounding sections.

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is in E minor key. The song is from the album Siamese Dream, which most perfectly represents the band’s sound leaning heavily on crunchy guitars and raw power chords. Your requested verse only includes the chord progression ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’ repeated 4 times.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

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