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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince features an unorthodox chord progression compared to many pop or rock songs from the era. The chord progression in the Outro as well as throughout the song remains constant, which underscores the plaintive mood of the song and lyrics. The progression: Em – F – G in the Outro contains borrowed chords from the parallel minor. This introduces a sense of ambiguity to the overall tonality.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

Prince – Purple Rain – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G (I),
Em (vi),
D (V),
C (IV),
G (I),
Em (vi),
D (V),
G (I),
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Lights” by Journey
Chord progression:
“`
E (I),
B/D# (V/7),
C#m (vi),
A (IV),
E (I),
B/D# (V/7),
C#m (vi),
E (I)
“`

“With Or Without You” by U2
Chord progression:
“`
D (I),
A/B (V/7),
Bm (vi),
G (IV),
D (I),
A/B (V/7),
Bm (vi),
D (I)
“`

These songs have similar I-vi-V-IV progressions to “Purple Rain”. One can notice a trend of employing this progression in pop and rock songs, as it provides a reliable backbone that allows room for expressive variation in melody and rhythm.

Musical Analysis

The repetition of (I – vi – V – IV) and (I – vi – V – I) sequences automatically generates a sense of resolution and satisfaction, offering a pleasant “return home” for the ears. The D (V) chord drives home the resolution to the G (I) chord and the C (IV) introduces a slight variation before diving back into the cyclical progression.

This specific sequence sets a bittersweet atmosphere with the strategic use of minor chord (Em) against a major key backdrop (G major), creating tension and release within the chordal movement.

Overall Analysis

The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.

Style Analysis

Prince takes fundamental methods from both rock and funk genres and melds them into a singular, distinctive style. His use of the I – vi – V – IV progression comes from the tradition of rock and pop music. Also typical for the pop and rock genres is the 4/4 time signature and the repetitive nature of the chord progression.

However, despite the fundamental structure, “Purple Rain,” also moves away from the typical pop song mold with its numerous guitar solos, dramatic synthesizers, string and choir arrangements – all contributing to the epic feel of the piece. The slightly unconventional arrangement lends the song a unique, enduring appeal, and served as his signature.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Purple Rain by Prince are:

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