Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Outro
Fake Plastic Trees < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Outro?
Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A, E6, Bm7add11, A
