Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

“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.

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is a rock song, primarily falling within the alternative rock and power pop styles. The chord progression of Verse 1 is simple yet effective in creating a somber, introspective mood. It primarily utilizes diatonic chords of the C major key, with the E major chord borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor).

Chord progression analysis with Roman numerals:
A minor (vi) – E major (V/vi) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

“`
Borrowed chord: E major (V/vi)
“`

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins features a chord progression that uses a lot of power chords (fifth chords) which demonstrates its grungy, rock oriented style. It also incorporates major, minor, and suspended second chords, making it an interesting combination of simplicity and complexity.

“Just The Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. is an easy-listening song, falling under R&B and jazz genres. It’s a classic example of the use of major 7th, dominant 7th, and minor 7th chords to create a rich, smooth harmonic texture. The chord progression is quite repetitive and follows a mixture of diatonic and chromatic movement.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the analysis of the chord progression, including the full chord names and their Roman numerals:

Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI)

`Borrowed chord: None for this progression`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Breathe” by Pink Floyd
Verse: Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV)

2. “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Verse: Em9 (i), D (VII), Am (iv), Fmaj7 (VI)

3. “Gravity” by John Mayer
Verse: G7 (VII7), Cmaj7 (I), Em7 (iii), D (II)

While these examples may not have the exact same chord progression as “Electric Feel,” they share similarities in cyclical progressions and atmospheric vibes. The blend of major and minor chords in these progressions creates emotional depth and helps evoke different moods within listeners.

Musical Analysis

The verse progression begins with the tonic minor, Am7 (i), which sets the overall minor tonality. The progression then moves to Em (v), acting as a minor dominant. The following chords, F (VI) and G (VII), represent a temporary shift away from the minor tonality to the relative major. This shift adds a sense of brightness to the verse. The repetition of this pattern creates a cyclic, hypnotic feel, with the chords continually building tension and releasing back to the tonic minor.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression for the verse of “Electric Feel” by MGMT is based in the key of C major. The progression mainly revolves around the use of i, v, VI, and VII chords. The song has a hypnotic, cyclic feel that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic genre, with touches of funk and dance music elements.

Style Analysis

“Electric Feel” by MGMT showcases a blend of neo-psychedelic, funk, and dance music elements. The chord progression is rather simple, which highlights the groove and rhythm. The airiness of Am7’s sound and the alternate minor-major shift evoke a dreamy, kaleidoscopic atmosphere that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic style.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Electric Feel by MGMT are:

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F