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** 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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Paranoid Android is a progressive rock song by Radiohead from their album “OK Computer.” The song features various time signature changes, complex harmonic structures, and a blend of distorted guitar tones and strings. The given chords belong to the first verse of the song. The overall tonality of the song is predominantly centered around the C minor key. However, there are some instances of borrowed chords and chromaticism in the chord progression, which adds tension and an unstable quality to the music.

The chorus of the Pink Floyd song “Breathe” features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords and creates a dreamy, spaced-out mood. The combination of major and minor seventh chords, as well as dominant 7th chords with altered 9ths, contributes to this atmospheric quality.

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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 Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is composed in the key of A Major, but utilizes a number of chord extensions and non-diatonic chords to create a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape fitting the song’s theme of reminiscing about childhood.

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