MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 3
Congratulations < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 3?
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
