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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Creep” by Radiohead is a well-known song that features a fairly simple chord progression in its bridge. The progression is memorable for its fusion of diatonic and chromatic elements, creating a sense of tension and interest.

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 verse 2 chord progression in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse follows a typical jazz/pop style with the use of extended and altered chords such as Major 7th and minor 7th ♭5 chords. It also features a variation in line with the different sections of the piece.

“California Kids” by Weezer is a pop rock song with influences from alternative and power pop. The chord progression in Verse 2 shows a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords, which contributes to a slight sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression. The chords in the verse also exhibit movement by step (C to C/B) and a mixture of major and minor tonalities.

“Hey Joe” is a famous song by Jimi Hendrix, which features a simple yet very effective chord progression throughout its verses. It has a five-chord progression, which is C, G, D, A, and E. This progression creates a strong and recognizable flow, thus contributing to the song’s iconic status.

Radiohead – Creep – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

The full chord names and roman numerals for the verse 2 of “Creep” are as follows:

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

`C minor (iv)` is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (G minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord progression: A minor (i) – A major/C# (I/VI) – C# minor (iii) – C major (bIII)

2. Muse – “Unintended”
Chord progression: D major (I) – G minor (iv) – Bb major (VI) – A major (V)

These alternative rock songs also feature a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which create a sound similar to “Creep” and showcase the emotional power of such progressions.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in verse 2 of “Creep” starts with the tonic chord (G major), which then moves in a circle of fifths motion to B major (III). This choice is interesting, as the iii chord rarely appears in pop music progressions. Next, the progression moves a whole step up to the C major chord, which is the subdominant (IV) chord. Finally, C minor (iv) is used as a borrowed chord from G minor, which creates a strong emotional contrast and sets up the return to the tonic chord. The repetition of this progression emphasizes the tension and release that the progression creates.

Overall Analysis

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

Style Analysis

“Creep” is a song that belongs to the alternative rock genre and was released in 1992 as part of Radiohead’s debut album, “Pablo Honey.” The song features Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, layered guitar sounds, and poignant lyrics that tap into themes of self-loathing and isolation. The use of the borrowed iv chord in the progression adds to the melancholic and unsettling atmosphere that characterizes much of Radiohead’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Creep by Radiohead are:

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