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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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“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.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is characterized by a lush, cinematic melody that encapsulates John’s knack for crafting pop ballad choruses. Its base key is D Major, showcasing a mix of diatonic, dominant seventh, and borrowed chords. Its diverse chord progression is reflective of Elton John’s diverse influences, which include pop, rock, blues, and classical music.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” composed by Paul McCartney, is a pop song that sits in the key of D Major throughout. However, it does borrow chords from the parallel minor. This technique, known as modal interchange or borrowed chords, is common in popular music and especially in classical compositions by iconic bands like The Beatles.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles is in the key of D major. The song features a handful of basic major and minor chords with a sprinkling of interesting harmonic developments such as the E7 transition chord and the use of the B minor chord which provide a rich palette of colors for the progression.

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’]