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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).

“Time to Pretend” by MGMT is a psychedelic pop/rock song that incorporates elements of electronic and indie rock music. The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which we will specifically analyze, shows MGMT’s experimentation with harmonic structure, drawing influences from both traditional classical and popular music techniques.

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“With a Little Help from My Friends” is a song by the Beatles from their 1967 album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. It features Ringo Starr who sings the song in the role of ‘Billy Shears’, a fictional character from the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ album. It was composed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The full chord sequence you provided represents the verse. The song itself is predominantly in E Major, but contains several borrowed chords and modal exchanges. As was common with Beatles’s compositions, they often incorporated intricate chord progressions and did not strictly adhere to traditional key signatures.

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Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song in A major key. The chord progression seems simple at first, with a repetitive motive throughout the verse but it creates a hypnotic effect that is very much in line with Tame Impala’s psychedelic style.

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“Girl” is a song by The Beatles from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul”. The song is written in the key of E minor and it showcases the band’s ability to incorporate non-diatsubject resorting to non-diatonic progressions and utilizes various seventh chords to establish a more sophisticated and jazzy soundid progression. It’s important to note their use of the Dorian mode, which adds to the melodic and harmonic sophistication of the song. Moreover, the song exhibits the lyrical and songwriting depth of The Beatles.

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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