Queens of the Stone Age – I Sat By The Ocean – Verse
I Sat By The Ocean < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G#’, ‘A#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘G#’, ‘F#’, ‘E’, ‘C#m’, ‘G#’, ‘G#’, ‘A#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘G#’, ‘F#’, ‘E’, ‘C#’, ‘G#’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the verse chord progression analyzed in Roman numerals:
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G# (I), A# (II), B (III), F# (V/vi), G# (I), F# (V/vi), E (♭VI), C#m (v), G# (I), G# (I), A# (II), B (III), F# (V/vi), G# (I), F# (V/vi), E (♭VI), C# (V/v), G# (I)
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C#m and C# are borrowed chords. Specifically, they’re borrowed from the parallel minor of G# (G# minor).
Similar Chord Progressions
Most artists don’t have the exact same progression as this verse, but Nirvana’s “About a Girl” has similar chord structures. Though it doesn’t borrow chords, it frequently moves between the I and the (♭)VI, like the verse of “I Sat By The Ocean”.
Here’s “About a Girl”:
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Em (i), G (♭III),
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Additionally, the verse chord progression of “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is similar. It uses the I, V/vi, vi, and IV chords – similar to the use in “I Sat By The Ocean”.
“Under The Bridge”:
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E (I), B (V), C#m (vi), G#m (iii), A (IV), E (I), B (V)
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Musical Analysis
The verse begins on the root note of G#, progressing up a whole step to A#, and another half step to B, creating a level of tension. This tension is released through a descending progression starting at F# (borrowed from the key of C# minor), back to G#, then F#, then getting resolved by moving to E (which is the bVI of G# major). This drops to the borrowed minor v chord, C#m, before going back to the I chord, G#. This pattern repeats once more but ends on C# instead of C#m, for a less resolute ending and adding more tension/resolution cycles to the progression.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
Queens of the Stone Age are known for their unique mix of heavy elements with more standard rock traditions. This chord progression encapsulates that innovative approach. The use of borrowed chords and the balance between tension and resolution contribute to a trademarks of their hard rock style.
What are the chords in: Queens of the Stone Age – I Sat By The Ocean – Verse?
[‘G#’, ‘A#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘G#’, ‘F#’, ‘E’, ‘C#m’, ‘G#’, ‘G#’, ‘A#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘G#’, ‘F#’, ‘E’, ‘C#’, ‘G#’]
