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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” 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.

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

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).`

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

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’]