Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a well-known folk song that has been adapted into a blues ballad with a haunting quality. The verse chord progression features a combination of minor and major chords that contribute to its emotional intensity, while also creating a sense of tension and resolution.

The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a rock ballad with elements of blues, featuring a unique and expressive chord progression. The song is in the key of F major and the verse progression consists of 25 chords. The progression is largely diatonic, but includes chromatic lines and borrowed chords, which give the piece a rather unpredictable yet emotive quality.

The song “Penny Lane” written by the Beatles is in the key of A major. The structure of Verse 4, specifically, has a very effective use of both diatonic (belonging naturally to the key) and borrowed chords (taken from a different key or mode). They have incorporated secondary dominants, pivot modulation, and modal interchange which reflect their knowledge of musical theory and compositional skills.

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones is a famous Rock song heavily influenced by the Indian classical form of music called Raga rock. The song is written in E minor and it has a very distinctively descending minor key tonality. The chords progression in the verse sequence doesn’t follow the conventional rules of western tonal harmony as it navigates through various key centers, showcasing the bands exploration of exotic and unconventional songwriting.

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