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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

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“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.

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“Little Sister” by Queens of the Stone Age is based in the rock genre, featuring a simple melody with strong rhythmic components, built on a mix of power, suspended and major chords. The use of the C#5 and G#5/D# chords in the verses and the F#sus4-E-G#sus4 repetition in the chorus indicate an overall key signature of F# minor.

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“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins, originally by Fleetwood Mac, is written in the key of G major. The song features simple, but effective, chord progressions that are common in the folk and rock genres. The progression utilizes primary chords in the key (G, D, and C), along with some modal mixture via the borrowing of the minor iv chord (C) and minor vi chord (Am) from the parallel minor key (G minor). The secondary dominant D/F# creates tension and movement towards the Em chord. There is also the use of a G6 chord which adds color to the piece.

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“I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” is a well-known hit by Elton John from the album “Too Low for Zero” released in 1983. The song is a blend of pop, rock and blues styles and showcases Elton John’s proficiency in blending different music genres. The verse uses a straightforward I-V-vi-IV progression which is a common progression in pop music.

The Chorus’s

Oasis – Wonderwall – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]

Chord Progression Analysis

For detailed analysis and understanding, it’s vital to break the given progression down into the core chords and their roman numeral references, identifying borrowed chords.

“`
C Major (‘I’)
E Minor (‘iii’)
G Major (‘V’)
E Minor (‘iii’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

While this specific sequence of I-iii-V is distinct to “Wonderwall”, similar foundational chord progressions are quite significant in the realm of pop, rock, and folk music. For instance:

“Let It Be” by The Beatles: follows a similar I-V-vi-IV progression. This is far from identical to “Wonderwall’s” progression, but it shares the same diatonic, major-key construction.

Chord Progression:
“`
C Major (‘I’),
G Major (‘V’),
A minor (‘vi’),
F major (‘IV’)`
“`

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police: This song uses a similar oscillation between major and minor chords in its iconic progressions.

Chord Progression:
“`
G major (‘I’),
Em (‘vi’),
C major (‘IV’),
D major (‘V’)`
“`

Each of these songs uses slightly different combinations and orders of the same basic chords; it’s the specific arrangement and rhythm that gives each song its unique flavor. In that sense, “Wonderwall” stands out for its repetitious, almost hypnotic oscillation between just three chords which is quite compelling.

Musical Analysis

The defining musical feature of the chorus of “Wonderwall” is the steady oscillation between the I-iii-V progression in the key of C major. Strictly speaking, there are no borrowed chords; all are diatonic to the key of C major, meaning they are built using the notes of the C major scale. The pattern is designed to loop indefinitely in the chorus, maintaining a sense of constant momentum beneath the vocal melody.

Overall Analysis

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a rock song with folk roots and a melodic pop influence. It uses the alternative rock idiom of harmony, which bestows the song with a sound leaning towards traditional folk and classic pop. The band utilizes common vintage chords mixed with modern progressions to create that identifiable Oasis sound.

Style Analysis

“Wonderwall” is a perfect example of Oasis’ style – an integration of rock, pop, and folk elements. The song’s chord progression reflects both the influence of ’60s pop especially The Beatles, and ’90s rock. The iconic I-iii-V song structure is part of what gives “Wonderwall” its timeless quality. The contrast between the bright, major tonality of the C and G chords with the sadder, minor tonality of the Em creates a mood of bittersweet nostalgia – a staple of Oasis’ sound.

Chords in the Chorus section of Wonderwall by Oasis are:

[‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]