Radiohead – Reckoner – Verses
Reckoner < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, A, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, A, E, Em, C, Em, B, C, Em, B, Bm, Em, C, Em, B, C, Em, B, C, Em, D, C, Em, C
Chord Progression Analysis
Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), A(IV), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), C(VI), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), D(VII), A(IV), E(V), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), B(V), C(VI), Em(I), B(V), Bm(v), Em(I), C(VI), Em(I), B(V), C(VI), Em(I), B(V), C(VI)
Borrowed Chord:
`A(IV)` – Borrowed from E major.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Coldplay – “Clocks”:
C(IV), D(VI), Em(II), D(VI), C(IV), D(VI), Em(II), D(VI)
2. The Beatles – “Blackbird”:
G(I), A(VII), Em(III), D(VI)
3. Muse – “Hysteria”:
D(VI), A(III), E(VII), A(III), D(VI), A(III), E(VII)
4. Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah”:
C(I), Am(VI), C(I), Am(VI), F(IV), G(V), C(I), G(V), F(IV), G(V), Am(VI), G(V), F(IV), G(V), C(I)
As seen in these examples, other artists have also employed similar chord progressions utilizing a blend of minor and major chords, often incorporating borrowed chords, to create a sense of harmonic variety and depth in their work.
Musical Analysis
The primary chords used in Reckoner’s verses are I (Em), VII (D), and VI (C), which provide a solid foundation for the song’s harmony. Additionally, there’s an occasional IV (A) borrowed from E major, providing a sense of harmonic intrigue. This chord, in conjunction with the other chords in the progression, sets up a tonal atmosphere that strikes a balance between darkness and light by incorporating minor and major chords.
The use of the borrowed IV chord adds an element of surprise to the progression, as the tonal center shifts momentarily towards E major before returning to E minor. This helps maintain interest and anticipation throughout the verses.
Overall Analysis
The piece “Reckoner” by Radiohead features a chord progression that can be analyzed in the key of E minor, which is a relatively common key for rock music. Its harmonic content exhibits some standard and some unusual behavior, with various instances of borrowed chords and chord changes that result in a unique sound. The progression demonstrates an interesting blending of styles, combining elements from rock, electronic, and alternative genres, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound.
Style Analysis
Reckoner exhibits a depth of harmonic language that is typical of Radiohead, blending elements from rock, electronic, and alternative genres. The band is known for using non-standard chord progressions and structures, which contributes to their distinctive sound. The chord progression in this piece represents a clear example of the band’s experimental approach to harmony, showcasing a unique combination of chords.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Reckoner – Verses?
Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, A, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, C, Em, C, Em, D, A, E, Em, C, Em, B, C, Em, B, Bm, Em, C, Em, B, C, Em, B, C, Em, D, C, Em, C
