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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Weekend Wars” by MGMT features a distinctive and slightly unconventional chord progression. The verse is in D minor and consists of 22 chords, providing a unique and somewhat complex harmonic landscape. The majority of the chords used are diatonic, but there are also borrowed chords and other non-diatonic chords which contribute to the song’s unique character.

Chord Progression:
Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III)

Dm – D minor
C – C major
G – G major (borrowed chord)
F – F major
Am – A minor

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

“Kiss” by Prince is primarily a rock song that features pop elements. The song utilizes power chords which are common in rock music, having a stripped-down chord structure that highlights the root and the fifth notes of the chord. The defined chord progression listed for Verse 3 is: [‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]. This progression lacks the richness of Major or Minor chords but provides a solid, driving rhythm backbone to the song, prioritizing rhythmic energy over harmonic complexity.

The chord progression from verse 3 of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is in the key of C major and shows a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. The progression creates a sense of smooth journey and has a certain melancholic yet uplifting character.

MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 3

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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/♯7) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/♭7) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii(add9)) – Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/♯7) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/♭7) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii(add9)) – Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/♯7) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – D (V) – Dsus4 (Vsus4)

“` Borrowed Chord: Dsus4 (Vsus4) “`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”:
C (I) – G/B (V/♭7) – Am7 (vi7) – G (V) – D/F# (♯IV/♯3) – D7/F# (♯IV7/♯3) – G (I) – D/E (♯IV/2)

2. Radiohead – “No Surprises”:
F (I) – Em7 (iii7) – A (V) – A/B (V/♭7) – F (I) – G (II) – Am (iii) – G (II)

3. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”:
Am (i) – Am/G# (i/♯7) – Am/G (i/♭7) – Am/F# (i6) – Am/F (i/♭6) – Am/E (i/5) – D (IV) – G (VII) – E (V)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Congratulations” primarily consists of diatonic chords (G, Em, C, Am, and D), which indicate that the song is in the key of G major. In addition to these diatonic chords, there are several inversions in the progression that give the song a smooth and natural flow. These inversions occur with G/F# (I/♯7) and C/B (IV/♭7). Additionally, MGMT employs extended chords such as Em7 (vi7) and Asus2 (ii(add9)) to add more depth to the harmonic palette.

Moreover, the use of the borrowed chord Dsus4 (Vsus4) adds a sense of tension and release, as the suspended chord resolves to the tonic, G (I).

Overall Analysis

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).

Style Analysis

The chord progression in “Congratulations” can be seen as characteristic of MGMT’s style. The band is known for their eclectic blend of pop, psychedelic rock, and electronic music. This can be observed in the innovative harmonic structure and use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extended chords, all common traits in the styles mentioned above.

Chords in the Verse 3 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