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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic example of the blending of blues, rock, and pop elements that characterizes Hendrix’s unique style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates Hendrix’s use of non-diatonic chords and chromatic harmony, while maintaining a strong sense of tonality and harmonic progression. The unconventional chord progression and the expressive guitar work contribute to the song’s lasting appeal.

“Castles Made of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, found on his 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The song is in the key of G major and features a chord progression that is both simple and innovative in its use of borrowed chords and voice leading. The progression can be seen as an indirect approach to the IV chord (C) which gives the progression a sense of unresolved tension. The overall sound of the song is characterized by its dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere.

The song “It’s A Fire” by Portishead features complex harmonic structures, distinguished by a fusion of pop, rock, and elements of jazz harmonies. The band, known for their trip-hop style, employ chromatically richer harmony and non-diatonic chord progressions in this piece. The chord progression of ‘It’s A Fire’ is consistent with this approach as we see the frequent use of suspended and minor chords alongside major ones, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. Borrowed chords, usually taken from the parallel minor or major key, are also used frequently to add stylistic color to the harmony.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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Jimi Hendrix – The Wind Cries Mary – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

C, B, Bb, F, C, B, Bb, F, C, B, Bb, F, G, Bb, Eb, E, F, G, Bb, Eb, E, F, Eb/G, E/G#, F/A

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I), B Major (bVII), Bb Major (bVI), F Major (IV),
C Major (I), B Major (bVII), Bb Major (bVI), F Major (IV),
C Major (I), B Major (bVII), Bb Major (bVI), F Major (IV),
G Major (V), Bb Major (bVI), Eb Major (bII), E Major (II),
F Major (IV), G Major (V), Bb Major (bVI), Eb Major (bII),
E Major (II), F Major (IV), Eb Major/G (bII), E Major/G# (II),
F Major/A (IV)

`Borrowed chords: B Major (bVII), Bb Major (bVI), and Eb Major (bII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – Sexy Sadie
Chord progression: [‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Ab’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Ab’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Ab’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Ab’, ‘Db’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘F#’]

A major (I), G major (bVII), Ab major (bI), D major (IV),
A major (I), G major (bVII), Ab major (bI), D major (IV),
A major (I), G major (bVII), Ab major (bI), D major (IV),
E major (V), Ab major (bI), Db major (bIV), D major (IV),
E major (V), F# major (VI)

`Borrowed chords: G Major (bVII), Ab Major (bI), Db Major (bIV)`

2. Radiohead – Creep
Chord progression: [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘Cm’]

G major (I), B major (III), C major (IV), C minor (iv)

`Borrowed chord: B major (III)`

Musical Analysis

The verse follows a descending pattern with the chords C-B-Bb, adding a tension to the progression. The F major chord acts as a resolution, as the song is based in the key of F. This progression repeats three times.

The next section functions as a pre-chorus, modulating to a new key center with the chords G-Bb-Eb, followed by a major II chord (E) which leads to the chorus. The chorus follows a four-chord pattern as well, alternating between F and G major before landing on the borrowed Eb major chord and modulating back to E major. The final chords leading from E major to F major help transition back into the verse.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Jimi Hendrix’s unique guitar playing and composition style are evident in this song. The use of borrowed chords creates a sense of tension and release throughout the chord progression. Hendrix’s guitar work and use of various techniques combined with the harmonic and melodic complexities make this a captivating and memorable song.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix are:

C, B, Bb, F, C, B, Bb, F, C, B, Bb, F, G, Bb, Eb, E, F, G, Bb, Eb, E, F, Eb/G, E/G#, F/A