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“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 traditional folk song that features a distinctive, repetitive chord progression throughout the song. The tune has a somber, haunting quality and is set in a minor key. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the version by The Animals is the most famous.

The chord progression in verse 4 of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” has a striking mix of diatonic chords and chromatic chords that borrow from different modes, creating a unique and expressive progression found in the blues rock style. The progression features a predominantly minor tonality, with some tension points provided by the dominant seventh and major seventh chords.

“The Long And Winding Road” is in the key of D major. The chords are quite typical of pop music, however, The Beatles use of extensions and suspensions provide a unique complexity to the progression. The song dabbles in modal interchange as it borrows chords from parallel minor, a popular Beatles technique.

The song “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles is an interesting example of pop music songwriting from the mid 1960’s. It showcases Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s ability to use common chord progressions and tweak them in a unique and recognizable way. It utilizes a simple progression in the verse but what makes it different is their use of 7th and borrowed chords. The key of the song is D major.

The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 4

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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)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin:
A minor (i), C major (III), D major (IV), D major (IV) and F major (VI)

2. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak:
B minor (i), A major (VI), E major (V), and G major (VII)

3. “Minor Thing” by Red Hot Chili Peppers:
A minor (i), C major (III), D major (IV), and G major (VII)

These songs feature chord progressions that also utilize the i-III-IV-VI sequence, with some variations. It’s worth noting that all of these songs showcase the impact and distinct character that the progression brings, emphasizing the emotional depth and versatility of this sequence.

Musical Analysis

The verse 4 chord progression in “House of the Rising Sun” is primarily based on the i-III-IV-VI harmonic sequence. This progression is unique for its inclusion of the D major (IV) chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel major key, A major. The E major (V) chords played throughout the progression create a feeling of tension and resolution that is characteristic of a minor key.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

This piece’s style is a fusion of folk, blues, and British rock. The chord progression’s focus on minor tonality and the open, arpeggiated nature of the guitar playing add to the folk aspect. The influence of the blues can be seen in the use of borrowed chords and the distinctive melodic phrasing. Meanwhile, the British rock elements come through in the band’s electric instrumentation and their signature rhythm.

Chords in the Verse 4 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