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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“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.

The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles presents us with a classic example of their innovative approach to harmony and composition. Drawing from various sources of influence, the song incorporates elements of traditional pop ballad form with a hint of the Baroque harmonic palette. This song is an excellent study in complex harmony and modulation within a pop music context, a trait that underpins much of The Beatles’ later work.

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles in which the song varies in key and progressive elements, with fascinating uses of borrowed chords from parallel modes and chromatic bass motion. The melody resides predominantly within a pentatonic framework, frequently rotating around subversions. The Bridge section beautifully showcases Beatles’ experimentation with descending chord progression built around chromatic movement.

Queen – Dont Stop Me Now – Bridge

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm7’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F/A’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
F (‘I’)
F7 (‘V7/IV’)
Bb (‘IV’)
Gm7 (‘ii7’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm (‘ii’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm (‘ii’)
Gm7 (‘ii7’)
F/A (‘I6’)
Bb (‘IV’)
Bdim (‘vii°/V’)
C (‘V’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

You’ll find similar chord structures in Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”. The usage of I-ii-V progressions, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords to create a jazzy and rich texture align with the mood of Queen’s bridge in “Don’t Stop Me Now”.
“`
Cmaj7 (‘I’)
Bm7 (‘ii7’)
E7 (‘V7/VI’)
Am (‘VI’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm7 (‘ii’)
C7 (‘V7/IV’)
Fmaj7 (‘IV’)
Am/E (‘VI6’)
Dm7 (‘ii7’)
G7 (‘V7’)
Cmaj7 (‘I’)
“`

Musical Analysis

Queen creates a jazzy, upbeat atmosphere by incorporating harmony that’s common in jazz and popular music, such as II-V-I progressions (D7-Gm-C) and the use of dominant sevenths (F7, D7) and minor sevenths (Gm7). The use of borrowed chords, specifically the secondary dominants (like the V7/IV=F7, and the V7/V=D7), adds a tension and resolution that helps to propel the progression forward. Furthermore, the Bdim, a diminished vii from the key of G minor (V of C), is used as a leading tone into C, creating a smooth modulation.

Overall Analysis

This particular section is mostly based in the key of F major and highlights Freddie Mercury’s love for moving from the classical I-ii-V progression to the jazz-inspired I-IV-ii-V, often followed by a jazzy II-V-I. In this part of the song, you will find some interesting use of borrowed chords and leading tones, contributing to the chromaticism that enriches the progression.

Style Analysis

This progression showcases the typical Queen sound: a blending of rock, pop, and classical styles with a touch of jazz thrown in, often revolving around major keys with an occasional surprise from borrowed chords. This creates a catchy and memorable hook, characteristic of Queen’s style.

Chords in the Bridge section of Dont Stop Me Now by Queen are:

[‘F’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm7’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F/A’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘C’]