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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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Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a song from his album “Sea Change,” released in 2002. The style of this song is primarily alternative rock, with elements of psychedelia and baroque pop. The outro of “Paper Tiger” features a simple chord progression of E, E7, and Bm, with interesting harmonic techniques, such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords.

The chord progression in the outro of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” follows a repeating pattern with a combination of major and power chords. The overall key of the progression is G major, and the chords follow a predictable pattern that is rooted in rock and alternative music styles. The chord progression uses borrowed chords from the parallel key of G minor, specifically the B♭ major chord.

“Someone to Love” by Queen exhibits a blend of rock and gospel music, showcasing their musical brilliance and theatrical elements. The chord progression forms a classic example of a departure from the typical I-IV-V root progression seen in much of popular western music, demonstrating Queen’s ingenious writing style.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Outro

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Chord Progression

Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A

Chord Progression Analysis

Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I) – E6 (V6) – Bm7add11 (ii7add11) – A (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the Bm7add11, a supertonic chord, creating a sense of anticipation and building tension. The following chord, A major, acts as the tonic, providing a sense of resolution. The E6 chord in the progression is the dominant, giving a powerful sense of forward momentum within the harmony. This sequence of ii – I – V (supertonic, tonic, and dominant) is commonly used in popular music to build a sense of forward momentum and expectation.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

Style Analysis

The overall style of “Fake Plastic Trees” is characterized by its melancholic tone and lush harmonic textures. The use of extended chords, such as the Bm7add11, creates a sense of depth and complexity to the harmony. Additionally, Radiohead is known for experimenting with unconventional chord progressions, which broadens the emotional landscape of their music.

Similar chord progressions by other artists and their chord progressions:

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression: Dmaj9 (IVmaj9) – Am7 (ii7) – Em7 (v7) – G (I)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”
Chord Progression: D (IV) – A (I) – Bm (ii) – G (V)

3. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord Progression: C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – F (IV)

These examples don’t have the exact same chord progression as “Fake Plastic Trees” but share similarities in terms of the use of extended chords, diatonic progressions, and the ii – I – V movement seen in Radiohead’s song. The emotional character and style may also bear some resemblance.

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

Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A