Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver is written in the key of G Major. The chord progression in the bridge made use of the four main chords in this key, which are G, Em, C, and D along with an interesting use of the F chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key of G minor.

The key of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ is G Major, a common key for pop and country songs which provides a bright and uplifting sound. Throughout the song, only four different chords are used: G, D, Em and C. The progression is repeated consistently, with only the sudden introduction of an F major chord (borrowed from the parallel minor of G) towards the end of the song during a transition phase.

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle frequently uses the chord progression [‘B’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’] in the key of E major. When viewing the chords through the lens of E major we can identify the chord progression as ii, ii, V, I. Furthermore, It shows some interesting harmonic decisions throughout. Most notably, the band makes use of borrowed chords which are chords taken from the parallel minor (in this case E minor). Here, the borrowed chords include A major and C major.

“Roads” by Portishead is set in the key of Am, also known as A minor. In the verse, there is an interesting use of the flat major 7 (Fmaj7) chord. This chord is not typically found within the natural minor key but is considered a borrowed chord from the A major key. Thus, this use of said borrowed chord and its resolution to the E7 dominants gives the song a unique feel, contributing to its mesmerizing and emotive ambience. Portishead tends to blend the use of A minor and A Dorian modality in their music, especially apparent in this composition.

The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.

John Denver – Take Me Home Country Roads – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

First Verse:
1. G Major (‘I)
2. Em (‘vi)
3. D Major (‘V)
4. C Major (‘IV)
5. G Major (‘I)
6. G Major (‘I)
7. Em (‘vi)
8. D Major (‘V)
9. C Major (‘IV)
10. G Major (‘I)

“`borrowedChords = []“`

There are no borrowed chords (chords that are borrowed from the parallel minor key) in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let it Be” by Beatles
Verse 1: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
(C Major ‘I’, G Major ‘V’, Am ‘vi, C Major ‘I’, F Major ‘IV’, C Major ‘I’, G Major ‘V’, F Major ‘IV’, C Major ‘I’)

2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
Verse 1: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’]
(C Major ‘I’, G Major ‘V’, Am ‘vi, F Major ‘IV’)

These songs share similarity with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by utilizing the same or similar chord progression (I, V, vi, IV). The repetition and resolution of these chords contribute to the memorable, uplifting, and sing-along nature common in all three songs.

Musical Analysis

The song has a clear tonal centre of G major, which dictates the choice of chords in the song. The pleasing and relaxing quality of the song can be mainly attributed to the regular use of the I-IV-V chord progression, which is a staple in many different forms of music, especially in country and folk styles.

Overall Analysis

“Take Me Home Country Roads” is written in G major. The song is characterized by a strong, consistent beat and a simple, memorable melody which are typical characteristics associated with country and folk music. The progression follows a predictable sequence, also typical of these genres, and contributes to the song’s classic, feel.

Style Analysis

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” represents a typical folk/country song in its choice of progression. The progression (I, vi, V, IV) is especially common in the folk and country genres and highlights Denver’s penchant for straightforward, emotionally direct songwriting. The repetition of the G Major chord emphasizes the tonality of the song, lending it a sense of finality and resolution.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver are:

[‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’]