Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Knives Out” by Radiohead features a chord progression that combines elements of rock and jazz with a touch of chromaticism. The harmony is based in the key of C minor, but it also borrows chords from the parallel major key, creating an interesting mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall feel of the piece is melancholic and introspective, with various chord relationships contributing to this mood.

“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins features a chord progression that uses a lot of power chords (fifth chords) which demonstrates its grungy, rock oriented style. It also incorporates major, minor, and suspended second chords, making it an interesting combination of simplicity and complexity.

“Take Me Home Country Roads” is written in G major. The song is characterized by a strong, consistent beat and a simple, memorable melody which are typical characteristics associated with country and folk music. The progression follows a predictable sequence, also typical of these genres, and contributes to the song’s classic, feel.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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