Queens of the Stone Age – Little Sister – Verse
Little Sister < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘F#5’, ‘E5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘F#5’, ‘E5’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the breakdown of chords with their Roman numerals:
“`
C#5 (I)
G#5/D# (V/v)
E5 (III)
G#5 (V)
“`
`G#5/D#` is a borrowed chord, working as a secondary dominant to the `E5`. It ultimately creates this lovely tension before resolving to the `E5` or `III`.
Similar Chord Progressions
The I – V/v – III – V progression isn’t quite standard, but power-chord-heavy songs that lean on the I – III – V progression are common in the rock genre. One similar song in structure and progression is “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Here’s how the chords break down:
“`
E5 (I)
G5 (III)
A5 (IV)
“`
Another song that comes close—especially to the I – V/v – III part—is “Last Nite” by The Strokes:
“`
F (I)
C/E (V/v)
Dm (vi)
“`
Just remember, it’s the way these chords are used within the context of each song that truly makes the similarity standout. Still, analyzing these elements can develop our understanding of the language of music.
Musical Analysis
The four-chord progression features repetitive thematic transformation typical of many rock music without relying on traditional functional progression. The constant transition between chords introduces a certain level of tension and release that makes this piece so compelling. The verse starts on the tonic, moves to secondary dominant, resolves to III and then to the dominant V.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Little Sister” leans on the raw power of distorted power chords (5 chords) and is driven by a consistent, pulsating rhythm section. The steady progression fits well within the post-grunge, stoner rock genre. It’s a minimal style filled with hard, heavy sounds, but the band also injects a good amount of melody, making it palatable for a broader audience.
What are the chords in: Queens of the Stone Age – Little Sister – Verse?
[‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘F#5’, ‘E5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘C#5’, ‘G#5/D#’, ‘E5’, ‘G#5’, ‘F#5’, ‘E5’]
