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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 3 of “Congratulations” by MGMT features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The song appears to be in G major, and the progression showcases several common techniques such as the use of inversions (G/F#), borrowed chords (Dsus4), and extended chords (Em7).

The chord progression for the verse of “Kids” by MGMT is a simple and diatonic progression in the key of A major, following the vi-IV-I-V pattern. It is common in pop music and creates a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The chords are played using predominantly major and minor triads, with an inversion in the V chord (E/G#).

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is a harmonically adventurous piece with an unconventional structure that features a mixture of modal and borrowed chords. The piece has an impressionistic quality influenced by classical lineage, while also regularly employing electronic and synthesized sounds.

David Bowie’s song, “Space Oddity,” is typically interpreted as being in the key of C Major. It’s an interesting song harmonically, featuring not just Primary Triads and Secondary Dominants but also uses Borrowed Chords, non-functional harmony, and chromatic chord changes. The kind of harmonic movement might be called Bowie’s deviation from the traditional harmonic patterns, which is part of what gives his music its characteristic ‘alien’ vibe. This progression has a more modal feeling due to the use of borrowed chords and the shifted tonal center.

“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.

MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4

Chord Progression Analysis

G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/vi) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii2)
Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/vi) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii2)
Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – D (V) – Dsus4 (Vsus4)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Norwegian Wood”
[‘D’, ‘Dmaj7’, ‘Dsus2’, ‘Dmaj7’]

2. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
[‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘Bm’]

3. Pink Floyd – “Breathe”
[‘Em9’, ‘A’, ‘Am7’, ‘G6’, ‘Dsus2/F#’, ‘Em9’, ‘A’]

These chord progressions contain similar elements found in “Congratulations,” such as diatonic chord movements, smooth voice leading through inversions, use of suspensions, and occasional moments of modal interchange.

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with a standard I – vi progression (G – Em), followed by a IV – ii (C – Am) progression, which is a common pop and classical progression. The chords with the inverted bass notes, G/F# and C/B, provide smooth voice leading and a descending bass line. The use of the Em7 and Asus2 chords provides additional tension and color. The Vsus4 (Dsus4) at the end of the progression creates tension that is resolved in the next section or repeats of the verse.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Congratulations” by MGMT is an interesting blend of conventional pop and classical harmonies with some use of borrowed chords. The progression features mostly diatonic chords in the key of G major, but there are moments of modal interchange and suspensions that add color and tension to the progression.

Style Analysis

“Congratulations” features a neo-psychedelic sound, which can be heard in the mix of conventional pop harmonies with unexpected chords and suspensions. The modal interchange elements and the way that the chords are voiced give the song a vintage, nostalgic quality, reminiscent of 1960s and 1970s psychedelic rock and pop.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Congratulations by MGMT are:

G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4