Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 2
Fake Plastic Trees < 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 (Iadd4), Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9), Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9), E6 (V6), Dsus2 (IVsus2), A (I), Dsus2 (IVsus2), A (I), Asus4 (Iadd4), Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9), Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9), E6 (V6), Dsus2 (IVsus2), A (I), Dsus2 (IVsus2)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah: C (I), Am (vi), C (I), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), C (I), G (V), C (I), F (IV), G (V), E (III), Am (vi)
2. Coldplay – Yellow: A (I), Aadd4 (Iadd4), Asus2 (Isus2), Dmaj7 (IVmaj7), Esus4 (Vsus4), E (V), Dsus2 (IVsus2), A (I)
While these chord progressions are not identical, they share some common elements with “Fake Plastic Trees,” including the use of extended chords, unexpected harmonic shifts, and a blend of major and minor tonalities.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression prominently features the I, IV, and V chords, which are the primary building blocks of many genres, including pop and rock music. However, Radiohead’s choice to use chord extensions (e.g., maj9, sus2, and add4) and inversions (Dmaj9/F#) adds complexity and intrigue.
The use of borrowed chords such as the Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9) gives a sense of movement and color, while the inclusion of extended chords like Asus4 (Iadd4), Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9), and E6 (V6) gives the progression a dreamy, ambient feel. Additionally, the sus2 chords provide harmonic tension and drivemotivating the progression forward. The alternation between major and minor chords throughout the verse further contributes to the emotional depth of the song.
Overall Analysis
“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.
Style Analysis
“Fake Plastic Trees” showcases Radiohead’s distinct alternative rock style. The combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, the use of extended chords and suspensions, and the blend of major and minor chords demonstrate the band’s creativity and their departure from traditional songwriting norms. The chord progression serves to solidify Radiohead’s reputation for crafting innovative and emotionally potent soundscapes.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 2?
A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2
