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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Radiohead’s “Nude” sets a contemplative and emotive atmosphere. It features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which creates unexpected harmonic shifts that evoke feelings of melancholy. This distinctive harmonic language can be associated with the band’s signature moody sound and has been influential in the indie and alternative rock genres.

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.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock song released in 1995. The song is in the key of E minor and primarily uses power chords derived from the E minor scale throughout the song. Power chords or ‘5’ chords, like B5 or G5, don’t have a major or minor quality and are often used in rock music for their strong and neutral sound. The song also applies modal mixture (borrowing chords from parallel keys) for color and tension.

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

Radiohead – Nude – Chorus

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Chord Progression

B, G#m7, Aadd9, G#m7, Aadd9, C#m7, Aadd9

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I) – G#m7 (vi7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9) – G#m7 (vi7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9) – C#m7 (iii7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9)

`Borrowed chord: Aadd9 (IIadd9)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Something” by The Beatles
C Major (I) – Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – D (II) – G (V) – Am (vi) – AmMaj7 (viMaj7) – Am7 (vi7) – Am6 (vi6)

`Borrowed chord: D Major (II)`

2. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
Fmaj7 (I) – Em7 (ii7) – Aadd9 (IIIadd9) – Fmaj7 (I) – Em7 (ii7) – Aadd9 (IIIadd9)

`Borrowed chord: Aadd9 (IIIadd9)`

These songs feature borrowed chords and added tensions, similar to the chord progression used in “Nude” by Radiohead. They showcase a departure from diatonic progressions, employing unexpected harmonic shifts and contributing to the uniqueness of each song’s sound.

Musical Analysis

In the key of B Major, the chords built on the first, third, and sixth scale degrees (B, C#m, and G#m) are diatonic, while the Aadd9 chord is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (B minor). The use of the Aadd9 chord just a half step above the G#m7 chord creates a sense of tension and surprise, deviating from the more predictable path in diatonic progressions. This is a common feature in Radiohead’s music. The cycling back and forth between the G#m7 and Aadd9 chords adds a sense of uneasiness and ambiguity, while the concluding chord, C#m7, provides a sense of resolution within the progression.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for unconventional and creative uses of harmony, and this chord progression is no exception. The borrowed Aadd9 chord and added tensions in the chord progression create a more complex and unexpected harmony, straying from typical pop or rock chord progressions. This characteristically Radiohead style of pushing the boundaries of harmonic expectations contributes to the emotive, mysterious sound of “Nude.”

Chords in the Chorus section of Nude by Radiohead are:

B, G#m7, Aadd9, G#m7, Aadd9, C#m7, Aadd9