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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Save Me” by Queen is in the key of G Major and it features a number of modulations to closely related keys. It resonates a distinct rock ballad style incorporating unique variations of common chord progressions from rock and pop genres. The progression’s utilization of inverted chords also brings depth and character to the melody.

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“Killer Queen” is a unique composition with a hybrid style. It manages to combine rock and pop structure with complex harmonic techniques often found in classical and jazz music. Queen’s unique sound can be attributed to Freddie Mercury’s diverse musical influences, hence creating such sophisticated progressions.

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“Get You” by Daniel Caesar is a soulful R&B ballad featuring a smooth and emotive chord progression that is both melancholic and uplifting. The progression is derived from the key of D major, but features a borrowed chord from its parallel minor key, D minor, which adds a unique flair to the song. Daniel Caesar’s vocal performance, accompanied by soulful instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional evocation that is characteristic of the R&B genre.

“Creep” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song in the key of G major, with a somewhat melancholic tone. The chord progression used is iconic, and it heavily relies on borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in the harmony. This use of chords creates a distinct sound that has become synonymous with the song.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

Queen – Save Me – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘A/C#’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A/C#’, ‘D/C’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (‘I’), A Major/C# (‘V6’), G Major/B (‘IV6’), D Major (‘I’), D Major (‘I’), E Major (‘II’), A Major (‘V’), D Major (‘I’), G Major (‘IV’), D Major (‘I’), A Major/C# (‘V6’), D Major/C (‘I7’), G Major/B (‘IV6’), D Major (‘I’), C Major (‘bVII’), G Major (‘IV’), D Major (‘I’)

The borrowed or non-diatonic chord in this progression is C Major (‘bVII’), which is borrowed from the parallel minor key (D minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C major (‘I’), G major (‘V’), A minor (‘vi’), F major (‘IV’), C major (‘I’), G major (‘V’), F major (‘IV’), C major (‘I’)

2. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie:
C Major (‘I’), Em (‘iii’), F Major (‘IV’), F Minor (‘iv’), C Major (‘I’)

Noticeably, these examples do not carry the same level of harmonic complexity as “Save Me”, but they do feature the IV-I oscillation witnessed in the Queen track. The use of the ‘iv’ chord in “Space Oddity” as a borrowed chord is a common technique in pop and rock music and mirrors the technique employed by Queen in “Save Me”.

Musical Analysis

The chorus primarily oscillates between I (D Major) and IV (G Major), creating a sense of tension and release throughout. The introduction of the II (E Major) and bVII (C Major) gives the progression a distinctive flavor, contributing to the longing and yearning reflected in the song’s mood. The use of first inversion chords (A/C#, G/B) adds interest and provides smooth transitional harmonies. The ‘I7’ (D Major/C) in the middle of the progression serves as a secondary dominant directive towards the IV (G Major).

Overall Analysis

“Save Me” by Queen is a rock ballad that uses a complex mix of traditional popular song structures and common rock chord progressions. The song structure is largely verse-chorus, but then there’s a bridge serving as the solo section, and finally ends with repeating choruses. The chord progression for the chorus utilizes a variety of chord inversions, diatonic chords, and non-diatonic or borrowed chords, which are typical of Queen’s music style.

Style Analysis

“Save Me” is a classic example of Queen’s sophisticated approach to songwriting and harmonization. The use of borrowed chords not only adds an unconventional twist to the chord progression, but it also heightens the song’s emotive power. The moving bass lines and chord inversions also add depth and texture, reflecting Queen’s often complex and grandiose music style.

Chords in the Chorus section of Save Me by Queen are:

[‘D’, ‘A/C#’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A/C#’, ‘D/C’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D’]