Oasis – Wonderwall – Verse 3
Wonderwall < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The named chord progression for Verse 3 follows: Em, G, D, A7sus4 and is repeated four times.
Structuring this progression into full chord names and their Roman numeral analysis for the key of G major, we obtain:
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E minor (‘vi’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
A7sus4 (‘IV7sus4’).
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None of these chords are borrowed; they all naturally occur within the G major scale.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles –
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C (I),
G (V),
Am (vi),
F (IV)
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2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
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C (I),
G (V),
Am (vi),
F (IV)
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3. “When I Come Around” by Green Day
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G (I),
D (V),
Em (vi),
C (IV)
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Please note that while these songs share a similar chord progression format with “Wonderwall” (four-chord loop structure), the exact chords themselves and their sequences differ.
Musical Analysis
In terms of musical theory, the Em (vi) to G (I) is a relative minor to major shift which creates an uplifting feel. The G (I) to D (V) is a perfect cadence which provides a strong sense of resolution, whilst the D (V) to A7sus4 (IV7sus4) is a reverbant suspension that adds tension before returning to the Em (vi). As a result, these chords synergize into a progression that is simultaneously melancholic yet hopeful, forming the iconic sound of “Wonderwall”.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Wonderwall” is Oasis’s emblematic Britpop song, featuring simple yet catchy melodies and harmonies that appeal to a broad audience—which perfectly suits their indie rock style. The song’s chord progression possesses cyclical and repetitive qualities, giving it a mesmerizing and memorable nature, a common trait found in pop rock genres. The use of the 7th suspended 4th chord (A7sus4) contributes to an open, unresolved sound that fits well with the song’s nostalgic and yearning lyrical content.
What are the chords in: Oasis – Wonderwall – Verse 3?
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’]
