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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression for Verse 3 of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a repeating pattern of C, G, D, A, E. The progression employs one borrowed chord and is loosely structured around the circle of fifths. The song features a blues-rock style, with a heavy emphasis on guitar playing and expressive solos.

The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock ballad written in the key of F major, based around a somewhat simple, yet effective, chord progression. There are a few borrowed chords and modulations that add to the harmonic complexity and characteristic guitar work by Hendrix. The song’s structure consists of a verse, followed by a brief pre-chorus, and a chorus before repeating.

The chord progression in the verse of “Time To Pretend” by MGMT is primarily built around the key of D major. It features a simple and repetitive structure, with some variations. The chords used are mainly triads and simple extensions, with the occasional use of suspended chords (Dsus2) to create tension and release. The progression showcases the band’s ability to create an engaging and immersive soundscape, while keeping the harmony relatively simple.

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“Viva la Vida” mostly utilizes a four-chord progression thorough the song which is fairly common in popular music. The verse we are focusing on replicating the verse goes like this: C – D – G – Em. The chord progressions are pretty simple, catchy and give the song an uplifting feel.

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“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 2

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

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Procol Harum – “A Whiter Shade of Pale”
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – Bb Major (bVII) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – D Major (II) – A Major (VI) – E Major (III)

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

3. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – A Minor (vi) – C Major (I) – E Major (III) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – G Major (V)

These examples show similar use of circle of fifths progressions, with some variations in the chords used, creating a similarly recognizable flow and sense of resolution.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Hey Joe” is a modulation of the circle of fifths. The circle of fifths is a sequence of chords with roots that are a fifth apart. In this case, the root movement is a descending fifth (or ascending fourth). This pattern is commonly found in many genres, particularly in jazz and classical music. The simplicity and familiarity of the progression make it easy to memorize and facilitates smooth voice leading, creating a sense of resolution from one chord to the next.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Hey Joe” is a great example of the blues-rock style, pioneered by Hendrix himself. The simple, descending circle of fifths progression has influences from blues, jazz, and folk music. This, combined with Jimi Hendrix’s signature guitar playing style, which featured heavy use of distortion, legato phrasing, and various other techniques, contributed to the development and popularization of the blues-rock and psychedelic rock genres.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix are:

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