Music Theory Alchemy

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is one of their most well-known pieces and a primary example of the sophisticated harmonic writing characteristic of the group’s 1966 “Pet Sounds” record. This piece is particularly designed in the key of A major. The Outro of the song includes the following chords: ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E/G#’ and many other chords throughout the song with complex chord changes that might not be typical in a pop song, but are characteristic of the band’s sound.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

The chorus of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is a perfect example of their signature sound, combining both rock and progressive elements. The harmonic structure is simple yet effective, providing a sense of resolution and stability throughout the progression. This, combined with the smooth melodic lines, gives listeners a feeling of being “comfortably numb.”

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII).
“`

In the listed progression, Bb Major and D Major are borrowed chords from the parallel minor (A minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

John Lennon’s “Imagine” shares a similar use of the IV and bVII chords found in “Good Vibrations.” Here’s the chord progression –

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C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (VII/bIII), Am (vi).
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Note the Lennon song’s use of the IV chord as well as the bVII just like “Good Vibrations”. In “Imagine”, John Lennon uses these chords to create a dreamy, thoughtful atmosphere.

Musical Analysis

“Good Vibrations” is a great example of the Beach Boys’ harmonically adventurous style. The progression begins regularly, but the use of borrowed chords Bb major and D Major creates noticeable color. Using these borrowed chords, Brian Wilson achieves a modal mixture, borrowing from the parallel minor. The key modulation seen when shifting from F Major to G Major to A Major is an unexpected twist, adding to the song’s complexities.

Overall Analysis

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

Style Analysis

The Beach Boys favor intricate harmonies and complex compositional structure, reflective of their primary songwriter, Brian Wilson’s, background in jazz and classical music. Their music features extensive use of extended harmony, borrowed chords, and modulations.

Chords in the Chorus section of Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys are:

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]