Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 1
Hey Joe < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E
Chord Progression Analysis
C Major (bVI) – G Major (bIII) – D Major (VII) – A Major (IV) – E Major (I) – E Major (I)
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C Major (bVI)
G Major (bIII)
D Major (VII)
A Major (IV)
E Major (I)
E Major (I)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles:
`A minor (i) – A minor/G (i/♭VII) – A minor/F♯ (i/VI) – A minor/F (i/♭VI) – G (♭VII) – E major (V)`
2. “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan (popularly covered by Jimi Hendrix):
`C minor (i) – G♭ major (♭VI) – F♭ major (♭V) – B♭ major (V)`
These songs share similarities with “Hey Joe” in terms of incorporating borrowed chords from the parallel minor key and having a cyclic nature to their chord progressions.
Musical Analysis
“Hey Joe” employs the use of borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (E minor). The C Major (bVI) and G Major (bIII) chords are borrowed from the parallel minor, while the D Major (VII) chord is a secondary dominant in relation to the A Major (IV) chord. This combination of borrowed chords, along with the more traditional IV – I (A – E) progression, helps create the unique sound of the song.
Overall Analysis
“Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock song featuring a cyclic chord progression in the key of E major. The song is well-known for its distinctive and temporarily ambiguous harmonic structure, bluesy vocal melodies, and Jimi Hendrix’s influential guitar playing. The verse chord progression constantly circles back on itself, creating a hypnotic effect.
Style Analysis
Jimi Hendrix was known for incorporating various musical styles into his compositions, such as blues, jazz, and rock. “Hey Joe” features a mix of these influences, with the bluesy vocal melodies and the cyclic chord progression giving the song a psychedelic rock vibe. Additionally, Hendrix’s innovative use of guitar techniques, such as bending and vibrato, helped shape the sound of modern rock music.
What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 1?
C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E
