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 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.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is recognized for its use of modal interchange, specifically borrowing chords from the parallel minor, and its distinct way of blending rock and folk music elements. This piece is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in Verse 5 is simple but quite effective.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles features a popular song structure and a mix of common chord progression techniques. The distinct progressions within the verse repeat throughout the song, but the chords and structures themselves are fairly common within rock and pop music. It mixes the standard I-IV-V (in this case, D-A-G) progression with the ii-V-I progression (in this case, Em-A-D), both of which are staples of songwriting in a variety of genres.

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones is a masterful example of the band’s ability to incorporate a variety of musical elements into a rock setting. This song, in particular, unites a classic rock ‘n roll backbone with an exotic influence, likely derived from Eastern music, especially with the use of the sitar.

The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 5

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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

The chords in Verse 5 follow this pattern:

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)

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Borrowed Chord: F major (VI) (from parallel A phrygian)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan – “All Along the Watchtower”
Chord Progression: A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), G major (VII)

2. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression: C major (I), A minor (vi), F major (IV), G major (V), E major (III), A minor (vi), F major (IV), G major (V), C major (I), G major (V), C major (I)

These two songs share some of the chords used in “House of the Rising Sun” but use them in different ways. “All Along the Watchtower” shares the i-VII-VI progression with “House of the Rising Sun,” though it omits some of the other chords. Meanwhile, “Hallelujah” has a more sophisticated structure, but it uses the III, VI, and V chords in a similar manner to The Animals’ piece.

Musical Analysis

Verse 5 of “House of the Rising Sun” features a mix of various chords from the A minor harmonized scale, with some chords like D major and F major borrowed from parallel modes or keys. The progression contributes to the overall melancholic and dark atmosphere of the song. The continuous movement between chords without staying too long on any single harmony creates a feeling of restlessness and anticipation.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“House of the Rising Sun” is a folk song, but the version by The Animals adds a more modern, rock feel with Eric Burdon’s distinctive vocals and the use of electric guitar. The song’s continuous, repetitive structure resembles a tragic narrative, which is a characteristic of traditional folk ballads. The chord progression’s mix of minor and major chords lends an emotional depth to the lyrics, speaking of a life gone awry in New Orleans.

Chords in the Verse 5 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