Search

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.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

** The Beatles are well known for their creative and unusual use of chords and harmonies. In “Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds”, there is a clear example of their innovative harmonic vocabulary. They employ a variety of common, borrowed, and chromatic mediant chords to create a remarkable soundscape that complements the psychedelic theme of the song.

**

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is based primarily around the C minor 7 chord, giving the song its dark and moody atmosphere. The song is in the key of C minor. This chord progression is repetitive and simple, allowing other aspects of the song, such as the lyrics and production, to take center stage.

Radiohead – Nude – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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