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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.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is characterized by its repetitive, catchy chord progression and usage of both major and minor chords which create a unique, surreal atmosphere. The song includes elements of psychedelic pop, funk, and electronic music.

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.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day is set in the key of E minor, and uses a recurrent sequence of four chords throughout the song: Em, G, D, and A. The prevalence of this progression endows the song with an air of melancholy, aligning with its lyrical themes of loneliness and disillusionment. These four chords create a harmonic loop that reflects the circulative narrative portrayed in the lyrics.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” features an interesting mixture of diatonic and chromatic chords with noticeable tonal shifts. The progression is G – A# – Am – C – G – A# – Am – C, with an emphasis on the G major key. This progression conveys an expressive and slightly unstable mood, creating tension and release with the inclusion of borrowed and non-diatonic chords.

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