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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.

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique chord progression and distinctive guitar techniques that were ahead of its time. The song was released in 1967 on the album “Axis: Bold as Love” and showcases Hendrix’s innovative approach to guitar playing and songwriting.

“Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine, draws its magic from a mix of interesting chord progressions and different rhythms. The use of added notes in several chords (Cadd9, Emadd9) introduces additional color into the mix, creating a rich and thoughtful atmosphere. The tonality of the song is in G Major, despite the liberal use of the Cadd9 in the progression. We’ll use this tonality for the Roman numerals.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

“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.

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