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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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The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock ballad written in the key of F major, based around a somewhat simple, yet effective, chord progression. There are a few borrowed chords and modulations that add to the harmonic complexity and characteristic guitar work by Hendrix. The song’s structure consists of a verse, followed by a brief pre-chorus, and a chorus before repeating.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

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“Girl” is a song by The Beatles from their 1965 album “Rubber Soul”. The song is written in the key of E minor and it showcases the band’s ability to incorporate non-diatsubject resorting to non-diatonic progressions and utilizes various seventh chords to establish a more sophisticated and jazzy soundid progression. It’s important to note their use of the Dorian mode, which adds to the melodic and harmonic sophistication of the song. Moreover, the song exhibits the lyrical and songwriting depth of The Beatles.

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Oasis – Wonderwall – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘A7sus4’]

Chord Progression Analysis

This is the chord progression for the verse:
“`
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
C (IV),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
A7sus4 (V7sus4)
“`
This progression uses the common I-V-vi-IV sequence, which is found in numerous pop songs (Oasis uses different permutations of this progression).

“`The A7sus4 chord is technically a borrowed chord, as it incorporates the note D, which is not part of the G major scale.“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
“`
C (IV),
G (I),
Am (ii),
F (IV),
C (IV),
G (I),
F (VI),
C (IV)
“`

2. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley:
“`
C (IV),
G (I),
Am (ii),
F (VI),
C (IV),
F (VI),
C (IV),
G(I)
“`

3. “High and Dry” by Radiohead: OK Computer
“`
Am (ii),
E (V/vi),
Am (ii),
E (V/vi)
“`

These songs also display the common/popular I-V-vi-IV chord progression, or a variation of it, similar to “Wonderwall.”

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Wonderwall” has a distinctly repetitive progression that makes it catchy and memorable – important elements for a mainstream pop rock song. The progression lends the song a sense of narrative progression, which is common in mainstream pop, rock, and folk music. The A7sus4 chord introduces tension that pulls towards a resolution, emphasizing the song’s emotive quality.

Overall Analysis

“Wonderwall” is a song by Oasis, a British rock band. The song showcases the blend of rock and Britpop style. The chord progression in the verse reflects a strong pop feeling, primarily residing in the key of G major.

Style Analysis

Oasis’ “Wonderwall” matches their typical sonic offering; a blend of guitar-driven rock and Britpop. The repetitive chord progression underpinning the melody provides a strong, catchy rhythm that drives the song forward, keeping the listener engaged. This reflects the band’s ethos of simplicity in structure with high emotive payoff.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Wonderwall by Oasis are:

[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘A7sus4’]