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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

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.

“Time To Pretend” features a simple and repetitive chord progression in the key of D major. The chord progression in the verse is characterized by a repeated pattern of D – G – D – Dsus2. The style of the song can be described as psychedelic synth-pop, with its electronic synth sounds and dream-like atmosphere. MGMT’s music often features catchy melodies and harmonies, which can also be heard in this song.

The chord progression for the verse of “Electric Feel” by MGMT is based in the key of C major. The progression mainly revolves around the use of i, v, VI, and VII chords. The song has a hypnotic, cyclic feel that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic genre, with touches of funk and dance music elements.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is an iconic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song’s verse chord progression evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, featuring a combination of major and minor chords, as well as borrowed chords and inversions that create a unique and emotional soundscape.

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