Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – Verse 1
Bohemian Rhapsody < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Cm7’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Eb/Cb’, ‘Eb/Bb’, ‘Am7b5’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘Eb/G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the chord progression for the verse:
“`
– Bb Major (I)
– G minor (vi)
– C minor (ii)
– C minor 7 (ii7)
– F7 (V7)
– Bb Major (I)
– G minor (vi)
– C minor (ii)
– Eb/Cb (IV/bVII)
– Eb/Bb (IV/I)
– Am7b5 (viiø^7 in II)
– Abmaj7 (IV in II)
– Eb/G (IV in v)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
“`
– C Major (I)
– G Major (V)
– A minor (vi)
– Fmaj7 (IV7)
– C Major (I)
– G Major (V)
– F Major (IV)
– C Major (I)
“`
2. “Imagine” by John Lennon:
“`
– C Major (I)
– Cmaj7 (I7)
– F Major (IV)
– C Major (I)
– E7 (III7)
– F Major (IV)
– Fmaj7 (IV7)
– C Major (I)
– E7 (III7)
– F Major (IV)
– Fmaj7 (IV7)
– C Major (I)
“`
While these two songs also play with borrowed chords and non-diatonic movements, they maintain a simpler progression in comparison to “Bohemian Rhapsody”. However, the spirit of innovation and pushing the boundaries of popular music can be seen in all three compositions.
Musical Analysis
This chord progression is characterized by tonic, sub-dominant and dominant harmony, with the addition of a few borrowed chords which create a richer harmonic palette. The progression from Bb to G minor and C minor gives a sense of sadness or melancholy, which is classic for a pop ballad. Abmaj7 acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel major of the ii chord, while Am7b5 is a common substitution for a dominant chord in a minor key.
Overall Analysis
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, composed by Queen, is a powerful anthem that merges elements of rock, opera, and progressive music. The chord progression demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of voice leading and functional harmony, contributing to its distinctive sound. Famous for its key changes and thematic progressions, the composition is often cited as an example of Freddie Mercury’s musical genius.
Style Analysis
This composition challenges traditional music norms by combining elements of rock, progressive, and classical music. Mercury’s use of exotic borrowed chords signifies his classical influence, while the intricate harmonies and key changes reflect the progressive genre. Meanwhile, the song also maintains a driving rhythm and strong melody, staying true to rock tradition.
What are the chords in: Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – Verse 1?
[‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Cm7’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Eb/Cb’, ‘Eb/Bb’, ‘Am7b5’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘Eb/G’]
