Music Theory Alchemy

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.

Radiohead – Reckoner – Verses

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< 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.

Chords in the Verses section of Reckoner by Radiohead are:

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