Queen – Killer Queen – Chorus 1
Killer Queen < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘F#7’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘D/F#’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘F#’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G/D’, ‘C/D’, ‘G/D’, ‘C/D’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C/G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression for Chorus 1 in G Major is as follows:
1. G Major (I)
2. B minor (iii)
3. E minor (vi)
4. B minor (iii)
5. E minor (vi)
6. F# Dominant 7th (V7/iii)
7. B minor (iii)
8. E Dominant 7th (V7/vi)
9. D/F# (V6/4)
10. E Dominant 7th/G# (V6/5/vi)
11. A Major (V/V of D)
12. G Major (I)
13. F# Major (♭VII)
14. B minor (iii)
15. E Dominant 7th (V7/vi)
16. A Major (V/V of D)
17. A Major (V/V of D)
18. G Major (I)
19. D Major (V)
20. G/D (I6/4)
21. C/D (IV6/4)
22. G/D (I6/4)
23. C/D (IV6/4)
24. D Major (V)
25. G Major (I)
26. C/G (IV6/4)
The borrowed chords include:
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F# Major (‘bVII’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
Queen themselves often used similar sophisticated chord progressions, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” being a prime example.
In other artists’ work, the progression from I to a borrowed ♭VII is used in “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles (‘A Major (I)’ to ‘G Major (♭VII)’). The use of inversions and secondary dominants is also seen in The Beatles’ “Let It Be” (‘C Major (I)’ to ‘G Major (V)’ to ‘A minor (vi)’ to ‘F Major/D (IV6/4)’, and ‘G Dominant 7th (V7)’, respectively).
Musical Analysis
The movement from the iii to vi chord creates a sense of progression, building tension towards a resolution. The use of secondary dominants (V7/iii, V7/vi, V/V) and inversions (V6/4, I6/4, IV6/4) enriches the harmonic language and enhances the forward momentum. The borrowed ♭VII (F# Major) from G mixolydian mode contributes to the unexpected turn in harmony, creating a brief modulation and adding an interesting color to the progression.
Overall Analysis
The song “Killer Queen” by Queen is primarily set in the key of F Major, while the Chorus 1 is in the key of G Major. The song’s harmonic voice leading and progressions reveal a sophisticated and nuanced approach that involves a continuous change of tonal center and utilization of secondary dominant and borrowed chords.
Style Analysis
Queen are known for their unique style that fuses rock, pop, and classical influences. This chord progression showcases their use of complex harmonic structures often found in classical music, such as the use of secondary dominants and borrowed chords. This, combined with their distinctive rock instrumentation and arrangement, gives “Killer Queen” a unique sound.
What are the chords in: Queen – Killer Queen – Chorus 1?
[‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘F#7’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘D/F#’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘F#’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G/D’, ‘C/D’, ‘G/D’, ‘C/D’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C/G’]
