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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.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

The chord progression in Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd features a combination of diatonic chords and some extensions to create a lush, ethereal sound. The progression mainly circulates around the key of E minor, with added color tones and an emotional center created by the interplay of chords such as the major 7th and the addition of the 9th degree to certain chords.

“Castles Made Of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, featured on the 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The chord progression in the verse is notable for its use of both diatonic and chromatic chords, creating a complex harmonic structure that reflects the intricate guitar work and emotive lyrics of the song.

The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2

Chord Progression Analysis

A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2)

Similar Chord Progressions

While it is difficult to find an exact match to the chord progression in “Fake Plastic Trees,” there are examples of similar harmonic ideas in other songs:

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”: Db (bII) – AbM7/Eb (V/II) – Ebm (iv) – Bbm9 (i) – Fm/Ab (vi/VI) – Eb (IV)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”: D (I) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Bm (vi) – G (IV)

These songs share some similarities with “Fake Plastic Trees,” such as the use of suspended chords and extended chords, but they each have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.

Musical Analysis

The song’s chord progression begins with a simple tonic-dominant pattern (A to Dmaj/F#), but with the addition of suspended and extended chords to enhance the harmonic tension. The Asus4 and Dmaj9/F# chords, for instance, prolong the resolution and create an airy, atmospheric quality. The E6 briefly introduces the V chord, followed by a return to the IV chord with Dsus2. This pattern is repeated, providing a sense of stability and familiarity, while the unresolved tension adds to the song’s emotional intensity.

Overall Analysis

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique blend of alternative rock and electronic music, often incorporating unusual chord progressions and juxtaposing diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Suspended chords, like the Asus4 and Dsus2 used in “Fake Plastic Trees,” are a common feature in their music, creating a sense of unresolved tension and longing. The use of extended chords such as Dmaj9/F# also showcases their interest in experimenting with the harmonic language, adding to the song’s distinct Radiohead sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2