Queen – Somebody To Love – Verse 1
Somebody To Love < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘C’]
Chord Progression Analysis
**
Here are the Roman numeral chord listings structured as per your request:
“`
G (IV)
D/F# (V/IV)
Em (ii)
G (IV)
A7 (V – Dominant Seventh)
D (V)
G (IV)
D/F# (V/IV)
Em (ii)
A7 (V – Dominant Seventh)
D (V)
G (IV)
A7 (V – Dominant Seventh)
D (V)
A7 (V – Dominant Seventh)
D (V)
C (bIII – Borrowed chord from the parallel minor)
“`
– The `C (bIII)` chord is borrowed from the parallel minor (A minor in this case). Borrowed chords are chords borrowed from the parallel key (minor or major scale with the same root), helping to create interest or dramatic effect.
**
Similar Chord Progressions
**
An somewhat similar chord progression can be found in The Beatles’ “Let it Be” – the progression uses different chords, but incorporates similar elements such as the infusion of the IV and V/IV, as well as other shared techniques.
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
F (IV)
C (I)
G (V)
F (IV)
C (I)
“`
Keep in mind that while similar thematic elements between songs exist, it’s the unique arrangement and detailed nuances that differentiate each song.
Musical Analysis
**
The verse starts effectively in the key of G major, before briefly modulation to the key of D major with the addition of the A7 and D chords (seen here as V and V, respectively). This is a common ‘dominant switch’, used often in pop music.
Later in this sequence, the verse modulates again with the A7 chord, this time heading to the key of D major, before returning the listener back to the home key with a C chord, borrowed from the parallel minor. This amplified the emotional impact of the melody line.
**
Overall Analysis
**
The overall use of chords highlights Queen’s blending of rock with more complex harmonic structures, moving beyond simple major & minor chords and incorporating 7th and inversions. Despite its pop/rock surface, “Somebody to Love” includes interesting modulation and chord choices that could be seen as more typical of more ‘classical’ forms of music.
**
Style Analysis
**
From a stylistic perspective, Queen always made elaborate use of harmony in their music, and “Somebody to Love” is no exception. They often mixed major and minor chords, playing with tonality to create their unique sound.
**
What are the chords in: Queen – Somebody To Love – Verse 1?
[‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘C’]
