Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song arranged by the British rock band in 1964. The song is known for its distinct and haunting minor sound, which has become one of the most famous examples of a minor key in popular music. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords that add variety and interest to the music.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of “House of The Rising Sun” by The Animals is an iconic progression in popular music. The song is in the key of A minor, and is built using diatonic and borrowed chords with some chromaticism. The progression features a strong sense of movement and resolution, with the mix of major and minor chords creating an emotional and dramatic atmosphere.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John and his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin is a standout song in Elton John’s discography, well known for its memorable melody line and masterful chord progression that was very innovative for its time (1972). It showcases his trademark style of combining rock with various other genres such as folk.

Overall, the harmony in this song is quite rich and a clear example of Elton John’s ’70s songwriting style: using complex chords and a lot of borrowed chords from other keys that add extra color to the harmonic progression.

The chord progression throughout this verse of Beck’s “Lost Cause” is predominantly in the key of F Major with some chords from its relative minor (D minor). The use of borrowed chords adds variety and color to the progression, and the alternation between F major and C major chords creates a strong sense of tonality and grounding in the key of F Major. The use of Am and E7 chords provides a brief tension and leaning toward the parallel key of F minor before resolving back to the original key. This adds interest and complexity to the otherwise straightforward progression.

The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.

The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– E major (V)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
“`

Borrowed Chords:
“`
`F major (VI)`
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Chord Progression:
“`
C (I),
G (V),
Am (vi),
C (I),
G (V),
F (IV),
C (I),
G (V)
“`

2. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression:
“`
C (I),
Am (vi),
C (I),
Am (vi),
F (IV),
G (V),
C (I),
G7 (V7)
“`

These songs feature chord progressions that emphasize the movement through the circle of fifths and use borrowed chords, similar to “House of the Rising Sun.” The progressions in these two examples are in major keys but move to their relative minor key, and their use of borrowed chords adds tension and emotional depth to the songs.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression opens with a i-III-IV movement in the key of A minor, providing a sense of departure from the tonic, leading to the borrowed F major chord which adds a sense of tension and unexpectedness. This tension is then resolved through the strong V-i cadence (E major to A minor), giving a sense of finality and resolution.

The chord progression in “House of the Rising Sun” relies heavily on the circle of fifths, transitioning between chords whose roots are a fifth apart. This creates smooth voice leading and allows for the chords to progress naturally, enhancing the song’s melancholic mood.

Overall Analysis

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals features a repeating chord progression in a minor key that gives the song a haunting, melancholic feel. This progression moves through the circle of fifths, features borrowed chords from its relative major key and has a strong resolution from the dominant to the tonic.

Style Analysis

“House of the Rising Sun” is a folk ballad with roots in the traditional music of the American South, drawing on blues and gospel influences. This is reflected in the use of simple, diatonic chords and the prominence of the V-i resolution that is characteristic of many blues songs. The emotional, haunting quality of the music is amplified by a simple and repetitive melody that allows for the strong storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals are:

Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E