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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Guilty as Sin?” by Taylor Swift uses a chord progression in the verse that reflects a more nuanced and reflective approach, suitable for a song with a contemplative or emotive theme. The interplay between minor and major seventh chords creates a lush, complex sound that elevates the song’s introspective and somewhat moody lyrical content.

The verse of Taylor Swift’s “ME!” features a chord progression that is archetypal for upbeat pop music, echoing themes of brightness and positivity. This progression harnesses straightforward harmonic movement to support the song’s enthusiastic vibe, making it highly effective for conveying the song’s message of self-love and confidence.

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

Taylor Swift – Guilty as Sin? – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Guilty as Sin?” operates primarily in the key of D major and uses the following chords:
“`
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
A Major (V),
G Major 7 (IVmaj7),
B Minor 7 (vim7),
“`

This sequence maintains diatonic integrity, with all chords derived from the native scale of D major, showcasing no borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

Progressions that mix major, major seventh, and minor chords are common in songs that aim to evoke a rich emotional palette. Here are examples from other artists:

Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Progression:
“`
A Major (V),
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
E Minor 7 (iim7)
“`

Corinne Bailey Rae – “Put Your Records On”
Progression:
“`
A Major (IV),
E Major (I),
F#m7 (vim7)
“`

John Mayer – “Gravity”
Progression:
“`
G Major (IV),
C Major 7 (I),
A Minor 7 (vi)
“`

These examples illustrate how similar chord structures are used to underpin lyrical narratives in diverse genres, highlighting their versatility and emotional impact. Taylor Swift’s usage in “Guilty as Sin?” employs this tradition within her unique stylistic narrative, presenting a mature and emotionally engaging sound.

Musical Analysis

The musical setting in the chorus uses the lush sound of major seventh chords (Dmaj7 and Gmaj7) to create a smooth, flowing harmonic texture. The major seventh chords offer a depth of sound that complements the more straightforward major chords (A Major). The interplay between these chords enhances the chorus’s melodic richness, allowing for a vivid emotional expression that mirrors the thematic content of sin and guilt.

The inclusion of the B Minor 7 at the end adds a slightly somber tone to the cycle, giving the progression a reflective quality and subtly shifting the mood before looping back to the beginning of the progression or moving to another section.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?” showcases a rich and dynamic chord progression that reflects the song’s emotional intensity and narrative depth. This progression, with its interplay of major, major seventh, and minor chords, provides a musical canvas that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, indicative of Swift’s sophisticated songwriting approach.

Style Analysis

In “Guilty as Sin?”, Taylor Swift explores a style that blends elements of pop with the sophisticated harmonic textures often found in jazz and soul music. This blend is particularly effective for conveying complex emotions and enhancing the narrative storytelling in her lyrics. The choice of major seventh chords imbues the chorus with a polished, refined sound that aligns with contemporary pop while offering an emotional depth that is characteristically Swiftian.

Chords in the Chorus section of Guilty as Sin? by Taylor Swift are:

Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7