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“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 Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic example of the blending of blues, rock, and pop elements that characterizes Hendrix’s unique style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates Hendrix’s use of non-diatonic chords and chromatic harmony, while maintaining a strong sense of tonality and harmonic progression. The unconventional chord progression and the expressive guitar work contribute to the song’s lasting appeal.

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is an experimental and ambient piece released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The piece defies traditional pop and rock song forms, delving more into the territory of electronic and experimental music. The outro chord progression is simple but intriguing, serving a hypnotic and unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is one of their most well-known pieces and a primary example of the sophisticated harmonic writing characteristic of the group’s 1966 “Pet Sounds” record. This piece is particularly designed in the key of A major. The Outro of the song includes the following chords: ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E/G#’ and many other chords throughout the song with complex chord changes that might not be typical in a pop song, but are characteristic of the band’s sound.

“Disarm” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a piece that showcases a rather common chord progression structure in pop music, but with added embellishments and variations. The featured chords include Dsus, Em7, Cadd9, G, and Dsus/F# with a key signature suggesting that the song is in the key of G major or E minor. The prominent chord in the outro is Dsus which suggests that the song might be interpreted in the D Mixolydian mode. The use of the slash chord (D/F#) diversifies the sound of the progression and adds harmonic richness. This chord progression uses both diatonic and borrowed chords creating a familiar but interesting sound.

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