Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

**

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

**

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of E major and utilizes a mix of diatonic chords (i.e., chords native to the key of E major) and borrowed chords (i.e., chords borrowed from parallel or related keys).

Pre-Chorus

Oasis – Dont Look Back In Anger – Pre-Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
G (V), E7/G# (V/vi), Am (vi),
G (V), F (IV), G (V)“`

The Fm6 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, i.e., C minor, adding complexity to this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead: G (I), B (III), C (IV), Cm (iv)
2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles: Am (i), Am/G (i), Am/F# (i), Am/F (i), Am (i), Am/G (i), D9 (IV), G (♭VII)

Both of these songs use a similar IV-iv-I change. The latter song also uses a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

Musical Analysis

The pre-chorus plays with a particular melancholic feel by borrowing the Fm6 (iv) from the parallel minor. This change from IV to iv, followed by the I chord, creates a sorrowful, longing effect, which has a strong impact on listeners. The change from G (V), E7/G# (V/vi) to Am (vi) is a standard cadence, but it’s slightly modified by the inclusion of a secondary dominant for Am (E7).

Overall Analysis

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

Style Analysis

The mixture of major and minor chords and the use of borrowed chords are typical for Oasis’ style and for Britpop/rock in general, lending a melancholic or nostalgic atmosphere to the song. The IV-iv-I move is a common “pop” progression variant seen in many other songs.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Dont Look Back In Anger by Oasis are:

[‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘G’]