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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.

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.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

The outro of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” features a mix of power chords and triadic chords, with predominant iim7 and IV triads along with some embellishing chords. The piece has a rock-based style, with the emphasis on power chords, a driving rhythm, and intense dynamics. The chord progression borrows elements from different genres, such as pop and classical, with some interesting chromatic movement.

The song “3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle oscillates between an A major and a C# minor structure, with a D major introduced at the end of the progression. The dominant chords are A (represented as Asus2) and C# (represented as C#m). The final D chord can be seen as a modulation, adding a somewhat unexpected resolution that doesn’t adhere to the traditional rules of tonic-dominant resolution in either major or minor keys.

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