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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

“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.

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is a slow-tempo blues-rock song featuring a sophisticated and expressive chord progression that falls predominantly within the C minor key, standing out from the more traditional blues structures. The chords in the verse display a creative use of borrowed chords and chromaticism, contributing to the song’s moody and emotionally-evocative atmosphere. The progression is less common in rock music, which is what makes it characteristic of Led Zeppelin’s innovative musical explorations.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2)

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Borrowed Chord: None
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”:
D Major(add9) (IV(add9)) – Am7sus (ii7sus) – Em7(add4) (vi7(add4)) – G Major(add9) (I(add9))

2. Jeff Buckley – “Last Goodbye”:
C#m7(add11) (i7(add11)) – E(add9) (III(add9)) – A(add9) (VI(add9)) – B(add2) (VII(add2))

These artist examples also showcase their use of added extensions and suspended chords in their progressions, evoking a sense of character similar to “Motion Picture Soundtrack.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression is largely diatonic, based in the key of G Major, and lacks any borrowed chords or modal interchange. The non-diatonic extensions and suspended chords add rich sounds to the harmony while maintaining a sense of stability. Additionally, the Bmadd9 is functioning as a mediant chord, offering a softer resolution back to the tonic G Major when paired with the Csus2.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique approach to harmony, often blurring the lines between traditional tonality and more experimental techniques. Suspended chords and extensions like the ones found in this progression are common in alternative rock and art rock genres. The repetitive structure and use of these embellishments give the piece a dreamy atmosphere, which is characteristic not only of this song but also Radiohead’s overall style.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2