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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.

“You And Whose Army?” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song featuring an interesting chord progression in the bridge. The chord progression is characterized by its dynamic movement and integration of non-diatonic chords. The progression is in the key of C# minor, and it displays unique qualities that allow it to stand out from traditional chord progressions. The combination of borrowed chords and voice leading creates a sense of tension and excitement, which contributes to the song’s overall atmosphere.

“In My Life” is a song written by The Beatles which stands as a hallmarks of their inventive songwriting and command of complex musical structures. The song is primarily in the key of A Major, but it employs a number of borrowed chords and modal interchange to create a more interesting and richer harmonic landscape. The melody, rhythm, and lyrics of this song are poignant and memorable, making “In My Life” an enduring classic in the Beatles’ catalog.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album “The Wall.” It is a progressive rock piece with acoustic guitar and vocal harmony that creates a haunting and atmospheric sound. The chord progression in Verse 2 demonstrates the use of non-diatonic chords, pedal tones, and borrowed chords, giving it a sense of tension and release. This unique combination of chords contributes to the overall distinctive mood of the song.

Radiohead – Nude – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B, G#, A, E, C#m, B

Chord Progression Analysis

G# minor (vi), G# Major (V/ii), A Major (IV), E Major (I), C# minor (vi), B Major (V), G# Major (V/ii), A Major (IV), E Major (I), C# minor (vi), B Major (V)

Borrowed Chords:
`G# Major (V/ii)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Something” (key of C major but makes use of chromaticism)
Chord progression: C major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), C7 (V/IV), F major (IV), D Major (V/vi), G (V), Am (vi), Am7/G (vi6), A7 (V/IV), C (V7/vi), E (VI)

2. Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah” (key of C major with occasional chromatic chords)
Chord progression: C (I), Am (vi), C (I), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), E (III), Am (vi)

3. Muse – “Unintended” (key of E minor, with unconventional chord progression and borrowed chords)
Chord progression: Em9 (i9), C#m7b5 (VI7b5), F#m11 (ii11), B7sus4 (V7sus4), Em9 (i9), B7/F# (V7/III), Gmaj7 (III), B7sus4 (V7sus4)

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with a G# minor chord, which is the vi chord in the key of E major. This is followed by a chromatic shift to G# Major, which functions as the V/ii, or the dominant chord of the ii (C# minor). The progression then moves to A Major (IV), a common substitute for the IV chord in a minor key, followed by E Major (I), the tonic chord.

The next sequence is a more traditional progression with vi (C# minor), V (B Major), the secondary dominant V/ii (G# Major), and a return to the IV (A Major) and I (E Major) chords. This sequence is then repeated with a slight variation at the end: vi (C# minor) and V (B Major).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “Nude” showcases a unique blend of minor and major chords within the key of E major, highlighting the band’s signature non-traditional approach to harmony. It features borrowed chords, as well as chromatic and diatonic motion between some chords.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for incorporating non-traditional harmony and experimentation in their music. In “Nude,” they effectively mix elements of the major key (E major) with chromatic alterations in the chords. This unsettling quality creates a sense of tension and release throughout the verse, characteristic of Radiohead’s emotive songwriting. The harmonic experimentation also enhances the introspective and melancholic nature of the track.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Nude by Radiohead are:

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B, G#, A, E, C#m, B