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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ contains a rich mixture of chord progressions, which is typical of the band’s complex songwriting. The outro of the song makes use of the F, F7, Bb, and Gm7 chords. This progression is in the key of F Major, with F being the tonic (I), F7 being the dominant 7th (V7), Bb being the subdominant (IV) and Gm7 being the submediant 7th (vi7). The Bb chord is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (F Minor) and the usage of F7 serves to add a level of tension before resolving to the Bb.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is written in the key of D major and utilizes various chord progressions that contribute to its melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere.

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a popular song from the mid-60s that features a mix of major and minor chords along with modulations between closely related keys. The overall harmonic structure shares similarities with other rock and pop songs of that era, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Base Key and

“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Cm7’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Eb/Cb’, ‘Eb/Bb’, ‘Am7b5’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘Eb/G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The Chord progression is:

“`
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 (Neapolitan sixth),
Eb/Bb (IV64),
A half-diminished 7 (viiø7),
Ab Major 7 (bVII7)
^ (Borrowed from parallel minor),
Eb/G (IV6)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

Supertramp’s “School” and “Rudy” demonstrate similarly complex, genre-blending characteristics with their respective chord progressions, as do The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” While these songs may not mirror Queen’s progression note for note, they employ comparable harmonic complexities, modulations, and mixtures, which suggest a comparable stylistic affinity.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with an oscillating pattern between Bb Major and G minor (I – vi), providing a rather standard progression in pop/rock. Adding Cm and Cm7 (ii and ii7) to this pattern introduces a bit of tension and complexity, before it resolves on F7, the dominant of the key, which segues back to Bb Major (I). The Eb/Cb is a Neapolitan sixth chord, a chord borrowed from the minor key and which is often used to add tension and unpredictability. The Am7b5 is a half-diminished seventh chord leading to the surprising AbMaj7, which is borrowed from the parallel minor. The Eb/G is the IV chord in the first inversion, providing a smooth transition to the next section.

Overall Analysis

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a multi-genre masterpiece that incorporates elements of ballad, opera, and hard rock, showcasing Queen’s versatility and musical potential. The song is mainly in the key of Bb major, but it aggressively utilizes modulations, chromaticism, borrowed chords, and modally mixed chords. The given chord progression is from the verse that follows the opera section, here Queen offers an unusual, nuanced chord progression that complements the surrounding sections.

Style Analysis

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is known for its eclectic mixture of styles, including progressive rock, a capella, hard rock, and opera. The chord progression you’ve highlighted is no exception and demonstrates a fusion of various stylistic elements. The harmonic twists and turns in the progression, such as the Neapolitan sixth chord and the chromatic shift to AbMaj7, are elements often associated with the progressive rock genre and more specifically, Queen’s unique blend of rock, classical, and opera. The complex voicings also add to the overall sense of flamboyance and grandeur, which reflects Queen’s “larger than life” stage presence.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen are:

[‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Cm7’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Eb/Cb’, ‘Eb/Bb’, ‘Am7b5’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘Eb/G’]