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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.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a verse chord progression that is both simple and evocative, utilizing variations of the tonic chord to create a sense of movement and build tension before resolving into more straightforward chord changes. This kind of progression is characteristic of songs that aim to evoke a contemplative or narrative-driven mood, which is a frequent theme in Swift’s songwriting.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

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The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton sports a simple yet effective chord progression. The entire song is in the key of C major / A minor (they share the same key signature), with a clear preference for the darker minor tones over the light major tones. This song is a great example of the use of simple chord structures and progressions to evoke emotive sensations.

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“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a rock song with folk roots and a melodic pop influence. It uses the alternative rock idiom of harmony, which bestows the song with a sound leaning towards traditional folk and classic pop. The band utilizes common vintage chords mixed with modern progressions to create that identifiable Oasis sound.

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