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“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age employs multiple chords which creates a complex and engaging harmony in the verse. The song is in the key G# major and it uses multiple borrowed chords from other keys. It’s worth noting that Queens of the Stone Age has a distinct sound that incorporates elements of stoner rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock into their material. Sizeable use of power chords that gives the song its heavy rock feel.

“Little Sister” by Queens of the Stone Age is in C# minor and features an interesting blend of simple cycle of power chords, articulating a I – V/v – III – V progression during verses. The track is heavy but also melodic, built from a four-chord pattern that creates a mesmerizing tonality within the rock genre.

This pre-chorus from Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” features an eight-chord progression in the key of A major. It includes a borrowed chord (Dm) from the parallel minor key (A minor). The harmonic movement consists of alternating D major and C# minor chords, followed by F# minor chords, before returning to the D major root and finally resolving with the borrowed Dm chord. This progression contributes to the energetic, catchy, and upbeat style of the song.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

Queens of the Stone Age – I Sat By The Ocean – Pre-Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘E’, ‘F#’, ‘G#7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The chords in the pre-chorus are E major, F# minor, and G# dominant 7th. In the key of E major, these chords are represented as follows:

“`
E Major (‘I’)
F# minor (‘ii’)
G#7 (‘III7’)
“`

Here, G#7 is a borrowed chord, as the diatonic chord on the third degree in the key of E Major is normally minor, and not a dominant 7th.

Similar Chord Progressions

One song with a similar chord progression is “Creep” by Radiohead. It uses a I-III-IV-IV progression in the key of G major, represented as follows:

“`
G Major (‘I’)
B Major (‘III’)
C Major (‘IV’)
C Major (‘IV’)
“`
Like “I Sat By The Ocean,” “Creep” also uses a major chord where a minor chord would be expected (the B Major), creating a similar sense of surprise and tension.

Musical Analysis

In a musical sense, this progression provides an interesting twist. The E major to F# minor transition is a common move from the tonic to the supertonic. However, transitioning from F# minor to G#7 is less common, especially in the context of a IV-V-I progression, which would be a typical expectation. This deviation creates surprise and tension, which helps maintain listener interest.

Overall Analysis

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of E major and utilizes a mix of diatonic chords (i.e., chords native to the key of E major) and borrowed chords (i.e., chords borrowed from parallel or related keys).

Pre-Chorus

Style Analysis

As a part of the stoner rock genre, Queens of the Stone Age often use unexpected chord progressions, odd time signatures, and unique tonal colors to create their distinctive sound. This chorus progression, with its borrowed chord, fits into this unconventional approach. The F# minor to G#7 creates a sense of “rising tension,” which is common in rock music, but done in a unique, unexpected way.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of I Sat By The Ocean by Queens of the Stone Age are:

[‘E’, ‘F#’, ‘G#7’]