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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic example of psychedelic rock and blues-infused music from the late 1960s. This particular chord progression, found in Verse 2, demonstrates Hendrix’s innovative approach to harmony and showcases his integration of blues and rock influences.

Chord Progression Analysis (Roman Numerals):
E7#9 (I), G (bIII), A (IV), E (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`G (bIII)` – This chord is borrowed from the parallel minor key of E minor.

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.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

The chord progression in the verse 1 of “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin features just two chords: D and E. This fairly simple progression, used repetitively throughout the verse, creates a strong and energetic foundation for the song. The style of the song reflects 1960s heavy rock, and the simplicity of the chord progression adds to the rawness and drive of the music.

Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

E7#9, G, A, E

Chord Progression Analysis

E7#9 (I7#9) – G (bIII) – A (IV) – E (I)

“`E7#9 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix
Dm7 (i7) – Fmaj7 (#IIIΔ7) – G7 (IV7) – Dm (i)

2. “Sunshine of Your Love” – Cream
D7 (I7) – G (IV) – Ab (bV) – G (IV) – D (I)

3. “Black Magic Woman” – Santana
Dm7 (i7) – Gm7 (iv7) – Dm7 (i7) – Am7 (v7)

4. “Hey Joe” – Jimi Hendrix
C (I) – G (V) – D (II) – A (VI) – E (III)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression has a strong blues influence, especially evident in the use of the dominant 7#9 chord, also known as the “Hendrix Chord.” This chord creates tension and dissonance, giving the song a distinctively bluesy and psychedelic sound. The non-diatonic G major chord (bIII) adds a sense of chromaticism and unpredictability. The progression then resolves to the more traditional IV (A major) and I (E major) chords, giving it a sort of “blues-rock” feel. This combination creates a unique and memorable sound.

Overall Analysis

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock song centered around the blues and psychedelic rock styles. The verse features an interesting and unconventional chord progression, which adds to the distinctive sound of the piece. The verse progression itself consists of four chords: E7#9, G, A, and E.

Style Analysis

The style of “Purple Haze” is heavily influenced by blues, but with Hendrix’s unique twist. He incorporates innovative guitar techniques, such as heavy use of distorted guitar tones, feedback, and extensive use of the whammy bar. These elements give the song its raw and aggressive feel, while also adding a psychedelic edge. Overall, this is an excellent example of the blending of blues, rock, and psychedelic styles characteristic of Hendrix’s music.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix are:

E7#9, G, A, E