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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“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 George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a smooth, soulful chord progression that is common to jazz, R&B, and pop music. The progression has a descending movement with alternating minor 7th and major 7th chords. This repetition creates a sense of ambience and resolution, making it an ideal conclusion to the song.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John is primarily in the key of Bb minor (the verses and chorus), but its outro transposes to the key of C Major, which gives a sensation of resolution. The chord progression in the Outro is a simple two-chord progression (I – V), which is extremely common in all styles of music and impacts the listener with its familiarity and stability.

The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” by Beck features a non-diatonic chord progression that includes a mixture of major, minor, and suspended chords. This chord progression results in a sense of longing and unresolved tension that is appropriate for an outro section. Additionally, the progression includes a borrowed chord, the Eb6sus2, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key and contributes to the unique, emotional quality of the song.

Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Outro

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Chord Progression

C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – G Major (V) – D Major (II) – A Major (VI) – E Major (III) – E Major (III) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – D Major (II) – A Major (VI) – E Major (III) – E Major (III)

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Borrowed Chord(s): None
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A Minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

2. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
C Minor (i) – G Major (III) – A Flat Major (VI) – F Minor (iv) – G Major (III) – G Major (III)

Although these examples might not share the exact same chords as “Hey Joe,” they do exhibit Circle of Fifths progressions or elements of it. The common thread among these examples is the sense of momentum and resolution provided by the descending or ascending root movement by fifths.

Musical Analysis

The Circle of Fifths progression in “Hey Joe” creates a sense of forward momentum, due to the descending root movement by the interval of a perfect fifth (or, by ascending a perfect fourth). The consistent falling fifth movement adds to the harmonic structure, as each chord resolves smoothly to the next one.

Additionally, the repetition of this progression serves to emphasize the cyclical nature of the chord relationships in this outro, adding to its hypnotic effect.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The use of the Circle of Fifths progression has its roots in both blues and classical music, which can be clearly heard in Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing. The progression lends itself to both harmonic and melodic improvisation, which is a core feature of rock, blues, and jazz. “Hey Joe” is a prime example of how Hendrix’s blues influences blended with distinctive elements of his playing style, forming a unique synthesis of musical ideas.

Chords in the Outro section of Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix are:

C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E