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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a folk-rock song in A minor that features a distinct and memorable chord progression in its coda. By incorporating rhythmic and dynamic elements in their rendition, The Animals managed to popularize the song, making it one of their best-known hits.

** The Beatles are well known for their creative and unusual use of chords and harmonies. In “Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds”, there is a clear example of their innovative harmonic vocabulary. They employ a variety of common, borrowed, and chromatic mediant chords to create a remarkable soundscape that complements the psychedelic theme of the song.

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“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock song in the key of C major. The chord progression is simple and effective, reflecting the band’s blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The overall structure includes three verses with the same chord progression.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 2

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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 Chord: D major (IV)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”: Am (i) – G (VII) – F (VI) – G (VII)
2. Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”: Am (i) – C (III) – G (VII) – F (VI) – C (III) – G (VII) – Am (i) – F (VI) – G (VII) – E (V)

While these examples may not precisely share the same progression as “House of The Rising Sun,” they showcase some similar elements. Both “All Along the Watchtower” and “Hallelujah” use combinations of diatonic and borrowed chords in a cyclic fashion, with strong cadential resolutions and an evocative quality akin to The Animals’ classic hit.

Musical Analysis

The most notable element of this progression is the use of the borrowed chord, which adds tension and interest to the song. In the key of A minor, the diatonic IV chord would typically be D minor; however, The Animals have chosen to use a D major chord instead. This introduces an F#, which creates a distinct chromaticism in the progression. This borrowing of a major chord from the parallel major key is referred to as modal interchange.

Another interesting aspect of the progression is the cadential patterns created by the alternating use of the E major chord. E major serves as the dominant (V) chord, providing a strong sense of resolution back to the A minor (i) chord. This gives the progression a cyclic, revolving quality that helps to maintain a forward momentum throughout the verse.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The chord progression and overall style of “House of The Rising Sun” are highly evocative of the British Invasion era of rock music. The combination of minor chords and chromaticism create a sense of melancholy and emotional depth, while the strong, driving rhythm of the progression speaks to the powerful, emotive performances that characterized this period in music history. The influence of American folk, blues, and early rock and roll can also be sensed in the progression and accompanying melody, adding to the timelessness of this classic song.

Chords in the Verse 2 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