Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Creep” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song in the key of G major, with a somewhat melancholic tone. The chord progression used is iconic, and it heavily relies on borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in the harmony. This use of chords creates a distinct sound that has become synonymous with the song.

“Motion Picture Soundtrack” is an alternative rock song by Radiohead from their album “Kid A” released in 2000. The chord progression in the hook features a mixture of harmonic choices from both diatonic and non-diatonic sources, with borrowed chords and chromatic notes. The style displays a unique blend of rock, electronic, and experimental music elements, which is characteristic of the art/pop-rock genre of the time.

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John is a heart-touching love song that carries a smooth flowing blend of pop and soft rock, showing Elton John’s inclination to use diatonic (major and minor) chords, 7th chords and inversions. The song, largely stays in its home key of C major, has an interesting chord progression that shifts between the tonic, subdominant, and dominant. Internally, there are multiple secondary dominant chords and borrowing from the parallel minor, providing color and contrast.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

“Castles Made Of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, featured on the 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The chord progression in the verse is notable for its use of both diatonic and chromatic chords, creating a complex harmonic structure that reflects the intricate guitar work and emotive lyrics of the song.

Radiohead – Creep – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

G, B, C, Cm, G, B, C, Cm

Chord Progression Analysis

– G major (I)
– B major (III)
– C major (IV)
– C minor (iv)

“`Borrowed chord: C minor (iv)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie:
– C major (I)
– E minor (iii)
– F major (IV)
– F minor (iv)

2. “Zombie” by The Cranberries:
– E minor (i)
– C major (VI)
– G major (III)
– D major (VII)

3. “Imagine” by John Lennon:
– C major (I)
– C major7 (Imaj7)
– F major (IV)
– C major (I)

These chord progressions are similar to Radiohead’s “Creep” in the sense that they use the technique of borrowing chords from parallel keys, or follow a distinct four-chord pattern that is common in popular music, particularly in the alternative rock genre.

Musical Analysis

The song uses a diatonic chord progression with one borrowed chord (C minor) that provides a unique color to the harmony. This borrowed chord, C minor, is taken from the parallel minor key, creating a sudden shift in tonality that adds to the emotional impact of the song. This modal interchange is common in popular music, particularly in alternative rock.

The verses have a slow tempo and a 4/4 time signature, giving the music an overall somber tone. The melody in the vocal line is based around the G major scale and moves back and forth between the G and B notes, with the occasional pitch bending that complements the overall melancholic atmosphere of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that features a well-known four-chord progression throughout the verses. This progression is G – B – C – Cm, which is often considered one of the factors that contribute to the song’s memorable and emotional quality. The chord progression helps create a melancholic and haunting atmosphere in the song. This song is notably influenced by alternative rock and grunge styles from the early 90s.

Style Analysis

“Creep” showcases the distinct style of Radiohead that set them apart in the early 90s. It features a combination of traditional rock instrumentation with electric guitars, bass, and drums, but also includes orchestral elements, particularly the use of strings in the chorus. The recording techniques, such as the use of reverb and layering of the vocals, contribute to the dark and brooding character of the song. The song’s lyrics are introspective and self-deprecating, which became a hallmark of alternative rock and grunge in the 90s.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Creep by Radiohead are:

G, B, C, Cm, G, B, C, Cm