Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead is a song characterized by a strong sense of melancholy and dark ambiance. The harmonic movement creates tension through the use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and non-diatonic notes. In the verse progression, there is a mixture of minor and major chords, along with added tones that enhance the complexity and mood of the music.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

The given chord progression belongs to the verse 2 of the song “Apocalypse Please” by Muse. This progression reflects the band’s signature style that combines elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. The chords follow a pattern that combines both diatonic and chromatic movement, creating a dramatic and intense feel. A unique feature in this progression is the use of slash chords, which adds further harmonic interest.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

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