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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.

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.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a significant example of their high level of technical composition skills. This track, which is played in the key of A Major, incorporates variations in the conventional chord progressions by using borrowed chords and shifting harmonic and melodic structures, showcasing their profound understanding of music theory and ability to use those ideas creatively.

“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

1. G major (I)
2. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
3. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
4. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
5. G major (I)
6. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
7. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
8. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)

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Borrowed Chord: Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression: [‘Dmaj9’, ‘Aadd9’, ‘Eadd9’]

2. U2 – “With or Without You”
Chord Progression: [‘D’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Bsus4’, ‘Gsus2’]

3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression: [‘Em7’, ‘G’, ‘Dsus4’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Cadd9’]

These chord progressions feature similar use of suspended and extended chords, creating a distinctive sound that is found in many alternative rock songs. While not exactly the same as Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack, these chord progressions demonstrate similar non-functional and expressive harmonic techniques.

Musical Analysis

The G major (I) chords serve as a melodic anchor in this progression, giving a sense of resolution amidst the surrounding harmonic tension. The Csus2 is a borrowed chord from the G Mixolydian mode, and it adds some harmonic ambiguity to the progression, since it features the 2nd scale degree suspended above the major 3rd. The Bmadd9 chord accentuates the minor modality and adds tension, which resolves back to the Csus2 chord before returning to the G major (I) chord.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Motion Picture Soundtrack’s chord progression can be interpreted as a fusion of modal and alternative rock styles. Radiohead’s frequent use of unconventional chord voicings can be seen here, with the incorporation of sus2 and add9 chord extensions. The melancholic yet emotional progression is characteristic of alternative rock’s tendency to evoke introspection and strong emotional responses.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

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