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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Kiss” by Prince is a classic example showcasing Prince’s unique and complex songwriting abilities. The song is written in the key of A major. The distinctive funk rock style is primarily expressed via dominant and suspended chords. This combined with Prince’s rhythmically tight and syncopated guitar playing gives the song its infectious groove.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins employs a variety of chords throughout the song, including major, major 7th, and minor 7th chords. The chord progression varies between sections but is based mostly on a mid-tempo groove in the key of E Major. The song utilizes common pop/rock conventions to create a dreamy and nostalgic soundscape, with the juxtaposition of the major and minor 7th chords adding complexity.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that gained significant attention for its melancholic lyrics and distinctive chord progression. The verse chord progression features major chords, followed by a switch to a minor chord, which creates an unexpected twist and contributes to the emotive quality of the song. This specific progression is relatively rare in popular music but has been used in various other songs.

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

Prince – Purple Rain – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Given the key of the song, the chord progression for Verse 3 is the following:

G Major (‘I’),
E minor (‘vi’),
D Major (‘V’),
C Major (‘IV’),
G Major (‘I’),
E minor (‘vi’),
D Major (‘V’),
G Major (‘I’).

There is no borrowed chord in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
(This can be transposed to the G Major scale as [‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’]):

G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
E minor (‘vi’),
C Major (‘IV’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
C Major (‘IV’),
G Major (‘I’).

2. Green Day’s “When I Come Around”
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘C’]

G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
E minor (‘vi’),
C Major (‘IV’).

Please note that while these are similar, they provide different emotional effects due to the ordering and repetition of the chords.

Musical Analysis

The chosen progression of Prince for the verse 3 provides a strong sense of movement yet a familiar and comforting feeling to the listeners. The I-vi-V-IV is one of the most common chord progressions in pop music, often associated with a nostalgic or plaintive mood.

The return to the I chord (G Major) several times within the progression creates a home base for the song, reassuring the listener even as the music explores different emotional territories with the minor vi chord (E minor) and major IV and V chords (C and D Major).

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The chosen chord sequence of Prince for “Purple Rain” reflects basic tropes of pop and rock, where four-chord progressions reign supreme. The progression has a melancholic, almost nostalgic feeling, fitting perfectly with the theme of lost love in the song. The poignant lyrics combined with the chord progression create a deep emotional experience for the listener.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Purple Rain by Prince are:

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