Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones is a classic track that exhibits some very traditional aspects of popular music and blues-based rock. The song is in D major and follows a fairly standard chord progression, using only three chords (D, A, and G), which make up four-measure phrases that are repeated throughout this part of the song.

**
“Honky Tonk Women” by the Rolling Stones is a classic rock track steeped in the blues tradition. The song is played in the key of G Major and primarily uses chords G, C, A, and D.

**Chorus

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.

Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):

The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)

Borrowed Chord:

G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.

The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

The Rolling Stones – Dead Flowers – Pre-chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The pre-chorus of “Dead Flowers” goes: ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’. This would translate as the following in a diatonic key of D major:

A Major (V),
D Major (I),
A Major (V),
D Major (I)

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

An identical chord progression (V-I) is found in “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd with the chords D-C-G (I-bVII-IV in G Major) and “Let It Be” by The Beatles with the chords C-G-Am-F (I-V-vi-IV in C Major), both of which show a similar simple and melodic approach to songwriting.

The progression in “Dead Flowers” and “Sweet Home Alabama”:
– ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’
– D Major (I’),
C Major (bVII’),
G Major (IV’)

The progression in “Dead Flowers” and “Let It Be”:
– ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’
– C Major (I’),
G Major (V’),
A minor (vi’),
F Major (IV’)

Musical Analysis

This chord progression is straightforward and falls into the convention of numerous rock and pop songs. The A acts as the dominant fifth, which resolves to the tonic D providing the typical tension and resolution characteristic of so much popular music. This is an example of a basic V-I chord progression.

Overall Analysis

The song “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock tune that is characterized by its simple yet effective chord progressions. The key of this song is D Major. This song utilizes mostly major chords (D, A, and G), and it has a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V chord progression, a staple in many rock, blues, and pop music.

Style Analysis

“Dead Flowers” falls into the genre of Rock and has heavy country influences. The use of a simple and repeated chord progression is a key feature in both rock and country music. The chord progression of ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’ is simple and easy to follow, making the song catchy and memorable, typical characteristics of the Rolling Stones’ style.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]