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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in MGMT’s “Congratulations” contains a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, which provide a combination of stability and tension throughout the progression. The harmonic rhythm is slow, and the progression is mostly driven by bass line movement and voice leading. The mixture of borrowed chords, inversions, and suspended chords contributes to the overall unique character of the piece.

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#).

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock and roll song prominently featuring electric guitar and piano, characterized by its driving groove and catchy chorus. The base key for the song is C Major. The harmonic progression is fairly simple and stays mainly within the diatonic chords, with some occasional borrowing from other modes.

“Love Of My Life” by Queen, especially Verse 3, showcases a mix of simple and complex harmony, with many secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished chords contributing to varying and shifting tonal centres. This makes for an emotional and contextually appropriate progression that fits well with the song’s lyrical content.

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

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