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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” is unique and complex, which contributes to the dreamy, atmospheric, and rich harmonic content prevalent in the song. Its ambiguous key center and shifting tonal centers create a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, commonly observed in Radiohead’s style. The chorus features a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords from parallel keys, which creates a colorful, almost impressionist quality to the progression.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Paper Tiger” can be considered a combination of common and non-diatonic chords. The progression moves from a major chord to its dominant 7th and then resolves to the relative minor. Stylistically, this progression is used in rock, pop, and jazz music to create tension and resolution while maintaining a sense of movement or flow.

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Sexx Laws” is a blend of major and minor chords, which creates a unique and somewhat unpredictable sound. The progression shifts between the key of B major and G# minor, reflecting an adventurous approach to harmony. The style of this progression has a hint of funk and jazz, with a touch of blues.

Radiohead – Nude – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B7, G#m, G#, A, E, C#m

Chord Progression Analysis

G#m: G# minor (i)
G#: G# major (I/♭III)
A: A major (IV)
E: E major (V)
C#m: C# minor (vi)
B7: B dominant 7 (V7)
G#m: G# minor (i)
G#: G# major (I/♭III)
A: A major (IV)
E: E major (V)
C#m: C# minor (vi)

Borrowed Chord:
“`
G# major (I/♭III)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Fix You” Verse Chord Progression:
C: C major (I)
Em: E minor (iii)
Am: A minor (vi)
G: G major (V)
F: F major (IV)
C: C major (I)
F: F major (IV)
G: G major (V)

2. Muse – “Falling Away with You” Chorus Chord Progression:
Em: E minor (i)
D: D major (VII)
G: G major (IV)
C: C major (VI)
Am: A minor (v)
B: B major (I/♭III)

In both examples, unexpected harmonic shifts and borrowed chords create engaging and emotional chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Nude” begins with a G# minor chord (i), which establishes a dark, introspective tone. This mood is further intensified with the unexpected shift to a borrowed major chord, G# major (I/♭III). This chromatic alteration invokes a sense of tension, which resolves somewhat as the progression moves to the A major chord (IV). From there, the E major (V) and C# minor chords (vi) help ground the progression in its original key of G# minor, before the B dominant 7 (V7) chord adds a touch of tension leading back to the beginning of the sequence.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Nude” displays a unique blend of contemporary rock, alternative, and even some classic tonal harmony elements. Unlike standard pop progressions that often rely on simpler diatonic harmony, Radiohead borrows chords from other modes, such as the G# major (I/♭III). This quality exemplifies the band’s desire to explore new harmonic pathways and innovate within their musical style. The result is a captivating and emotional sound that has been a part of Radiohead’s aesthetic throughout their career.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Nude by Radiohead are:

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B7, G#m, G#, A, E, C#m