Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 3
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
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.
What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe – Verse 3?
C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E, C, G, D, A, E, E
