Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Verse 3
Castles Made Of Sand < All Analyses
Chord Progression
F, Am, Em7, F, C, G, F, Am, Em7, F, C, G
Chord Progression Analysis
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F Major (‘I’), A minor (‘iii’), E minor 7 (‘vi7’), F Major (‘I’), C Major (‘V’), G Major (‘♭III’),
F Major (‘I’), A minor (‘iii’), E minor 7 (‘vi7’), F Major (‘I’), C Major (‘V’), G Major (‘♭III’)
`Borrowed chord: G Major (‘♭III’) from the parallel minor (F minor)`
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Similar Chord Progressions
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1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”:
Am (‘i’), Am/G (‘i/♭VII’), Am/F# (‘i/VII’), Am/F (‘i/VI’), Am/E (‘i/V’), Dm (‘iv’), E (‘V’)
2. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
Gm (‘i’), Gm/F (‘i/VI’), Eb (‘♭VI’), Cm/Eb (‘iv6’), D (‘V’), Gm (‘i’), A ((‘♭III’)), Dm (‘iv’), A7/C# (‘V7/V’), D7 (‘V’), Gm (‘i’)
Musical Analysis
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The chord progression in Verse 3 of “Castles Made of Sand” establishes F Major as the tonal center, starting and ending on the F Major chord. The A minor and E minor 7 chords contribute to the smooth movement between chords and follow a diatonic progression.
However, the G Major chord (‘♭III’) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key, F minor. This chord creates a surprising shift in the harmonic landscape, momentarily stepping away from the diatonic flow. The constant inclusion of F Major in between the other chords gives the progression a sense of unity and cohesion, allowing for greater musical exploration while keeping the tonal center grounded.
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Overall Analysis
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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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Style Analysis
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The chord progression in “Castles Made of Sand” exemplifies Hendrix’s style and influence from blues, rock, and jazz. The use of borrowed chords and chromaticism creates a unique and rich harmonic language. Hendrix’s guitar playing adds syncopation and expressive bends to the chords, which further contributes to the song’s psychedelic and emotional nature.
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What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made Of Sand – Verse 3?
F, Am, Em7, F, C, G, F, Am, Em7, F, C, G
