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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.

The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a rock ballad with elements of blues, featuring a unique and expressive chord progression. The song is in the key of F major and the verse progression consists of 25 chords. The progression is largely diatonic, but includes chromatic lines and borrowed chords, which give the piece a rather unpredictable yet emotive quality.

The chord progression in Muse’s “Feeling Good” is in the key of G minor and showcases an interesting and creative use of borrowed chords and inversions. The progression follows a cyclical pattern that creates tension and release throughout the verse. The style is reminiscent of soul and jazz influences with a hint of rock elements, which is a common characteristic in Muse’s music.

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is a slow-tempo blues-rock song featuring a sophisticated and expressive chord progression that falls predominantly within the C minor key, standing out from the more traditional blues structures. The chords in the verse display a creative use of borrowed chords and chromaticism, contributing to the song’s moody and emotionally-evocative atmosphere. The progression is less common in rock music, which is what makes it characteristic of Led Zeppelin’s innovative musical explorations.

“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

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