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Related Music Theory Alchemy

** The chord progression in Verse 3 of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords in the key of A major, featuring the use of suspended chords, 9th chords, and 6th chords. The progression has a tonally ambiguous and ethereal quality, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.

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The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

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Given by the chords you’ve provided, it appears the song “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is primarily in the key of D Major with occasional borrowed chords from D minor and E minor. The varying uses of D Major, D minor, and E minor really showcase the variety in Billy Corgan’s guitar writing.

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The “Like Clockwork” track by Queens of the Stone Age showcases a wide range of harmonic complexity. The track is in the key of F# minor and it is characterized by non-traditional chord progressions. From the range of chords used within the song, it’s clear that the song deviates from strict diatonic harmony, and freely borrows chords from parallel keys (modal mixture).

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The piece, ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins follows an overarching structure with a mix of major and minor chords, what stand out are the rich extended chords, ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’. The piece displays a balance between tonic chords and dominant chords, expressing a classic pop-rock style whilst frequent usage of maj7 chords adding a distinctive jazziness to the tune.

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Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

Bm7add11, A, Bm7add11, Asus4, A

Chord Progression Analysis

Bm7add11 (vii7add11), A (IV), Bm7add11 (vii7add11), Asus4 (IVsus4), A (IV)

Borrowed Chord:
None

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “The Scientist”: Dm(add9) (iadd9), Bb (VI), F (III), C (VII)
2. Nirvana – “Polly”: Em (i), G (III), D (VII), C (VI)
3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”: Em7 (ii7), G (IV), Dsus4 (I5sus4), A7sus4 (V7sus4)

These songs, like “Fake Plastic Trees,” showcase the use of unconventional chords and progressions in their respective genres. Each song displays an attention to inventive harmony and emotional depth, making them excellent examples of creative chord progressions in contemporary music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression can be analyzed in the key of D major. It starts with a Bm7add11, a vii7add11 chord that adds tension before resolving to the IV (A) chord. The progression then returns to the vii7add11 (Bm7add11) before moving to the IVsus4 (Asus4) which adds further tension by suspending the 4th scale degree, and finally resolving back to the IV (A) chord again.

This progression is notable for its use of the vii7add11 and IVsus4 chords, which give it a uniquely tense and atmospheric quality. The mixture of these chords with the more typical IV (A) contributes to the overall melancholic and earnest feel of the song.

Overall Analysis

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is an alternative rock ballad from their 1995 album, “The Bends.” The moody and atmospheric track is characterized by its emotive vocal delivery, contrasting dynamics, rich arrangement, and engaging chord progression. This progression, in particular, features an interesting mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords that create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.

Style Analysis

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a prime example of the band’s innovative and influential approach to alternative rock songwriting. It showcases the band’s penchant for blending traditional rock instrumentation with unconventional song structures and harmonic choices. The emotional intensity of the vocal delivery, combined with the intricate arrangement and dynamic contrasts, has made the song one of Radiohead’s most recognizable and enduring works.

Chords in the Chorus 2 section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

Bm7add11, A, Bm7add11, Asus4, A