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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

The outro of ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles is a prime example of a repeated chord progression, specifically a repeated loop of D-C-G-D. This progression is repeated throughout the last significant section of the song, often referred to as the “na na na” section, essentially becoming a kind of mantra or chant that brings the song to a sustained and palpable resolution.

The song “Something” by The Beatles has a key center in C major. However, it modulates from time to time using a variety of techniques including secondary dominance and borrowed chords. It is a fine example of George Harrison’s complex songwriting and his adroitness at seamlessly weaving together uncommon chord progressions. Harrison employs an array of chords to inject a rich, nuanced musical quality to the song.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

Radiohead – All I Need – Outro

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Chord Progression

C, Em, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C Major (I) – E minor (iii) – G Major (V) – C Major (I)
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Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

This chord progression begins with the tonic, C Major, also known as the I chord. This chord establishes the key and provides a stable, grounding sound.

Following the C Major, the progression moves to E minor, or the iii chord. This is a relative minor chord which shares the same key signature as C Major. It creates a sense of melancholy and longing, introducing tension into the progression.

Next, the progression moves to the G Major (V) chord, which is the dominant chord in the key of C Major. This serves to heighten the tension that was introduced by the iii chord, and creates a strong desire for resolution.

Finally, the progression returns to the C Major (I) chord, providing the sought-after resolution and bringing the progression full-circle.

Style Notes:
Radiohead is known for their unconventional and often emotional chord progressions. This particular progression showcases their distinctive style, featuring a blend of consonant chords (C Major and G Major) and dissonant chords (E minor). It is a relatively simple progression that effectively conveys the deep emotion found in many Radiohead songs.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is in the key of C Major and follows a simple, yet effective structure. It features a blend of consonance and dissonance, which creates a sense of resolution and tension simultaneously. This progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound and their ability to create emotive landscapes through their music.

Style Analysis

1. Coldplay – “Yellow”
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A Major (I) – E Major (V) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV)
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2. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
“`
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)
“`

These chord progressions demonstrate similar qualities to the Radiohead progression in terms of consonant and dissonant chords, effectively blending tension and resolution to evoke emotion within the listener.

Chords in the Outro section of All I Need by Radiohead are:

C, Em, G, C