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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“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.

“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.

The chord progression of “Beast Of Burden” by The Rolling Stones from verse 3 appears to be a standard pop/rock progression with a bit of melodic flavor. It features the chords of E major, B major, C# minor, and A major.

The song is in the key of E Major as that’s the chord the progression starts and ends with, and most of the chords are from the E major scale. There are no borrowed chords, and the progression is repetitive, maintaining a loop throughout most of the song.

Let’s move on to the detailed chord progression analysis, chord names, and their roman numerals.

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 3

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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

The full chord names and their respective Roman numerals are as follows:

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

Borrowed Chord:
No borrowed chord appears within this chord progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles
The chord progression in the verses is as follows:
Am (i), G (VII), Am (i), Am/G (i/VII), Am/F# (i/VI), Am/F (i/V), Am/E (i/IV), G (VII), C (III), E (V)

2. “All Along The Watchtower” by Bob Dylan (made famous by Jimi Hendrix)
The chord progression for the entire song is:
C# minor (i), B major (VII), A major (VI), B major (VII)

These chord progressions exhibit some similarity to “Hey Joe,” as they also feature unconventional progressions and are significant within the context of blues-rock music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in verse 3 of “Hey Joe” is atypical in that it doesn’t conform to the conventional circle of fifths entirely. Instead, it loosely follows the circle of fifths but with some discrepancies. The progression starts in the key of C Major (I) and moves sequentially through successive fifth intervals: G Major (V), D Major (II), A Major (VI), before finally ending on E Major (III). The ending on E Major breaks the standard circle of fifth pattern.

This nonconformity along with the consistent movement in ascending fifths imbues the progression with a refreshing and unpredictable quality.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Hey Joe” is a staple of the blues-rock genre, thanks in part to the innovative playing of Jimi Hendrix. The song features various elaborate guitar techniques, which have become emblematic of Hendrix’s groundbreaking style. These techniques include the use of extensive bending, overdriven guitar tones, and intricate soloing.

Chords in the Verse 3 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