Jimi Hendrix – The Wind Cries Mary – Verse 1
The Wind Cries Mary < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Jimi Hendrix – The Wind Cries Mary – Verse 1?
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
