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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Little Sister” by Queens of the Stone Age is based in the rock genre, featuring a simple melody with strong rhythmic components, built on a mix of power, suspended and major chords. The use of the C#5 and G#5/D# chords in the verses and the F#sus4-E-G#sus4 repetition in the chorus indicate an overall key signature of F# minor.

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“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

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock song written in the key of C Major. It’s a brilliant representation of 60s and 70s folk-rock music with a chord sequence that is very recognizable, even to this day.

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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.

The chord progression from Muse’s “Hate This And I’ll Love You” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The progression is in the key of A major and shows an unconventional use of chords that gives the song its unique sound. It also showcases certain characteristics of Muse’s music style that includes complex chord progressions and frequent changes between major and minor harmonies.

Chord Progression Analysis and Roman Numerals:

A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'),
Gm ('bVII'), D ('IV'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'),
D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V')

The borrowed chord in this progression is Gm, taken from the parallel minor, A minor:
`Gm (‘bVII’)`

Queens of the Stone Age – Little Sister – Verse

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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)
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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)
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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.

Chords in the Verse section of Little Sister by Queens of the Stone Age are:

[‘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’]