this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2023
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Chord Progressions

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Let's talk about our favorite chord progressions or chords and where we have heard them.

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Hello, My Favorite Song of the Day is Loquat's Shaky Like The Flu. It's main progression is G, EbMAJ7, Bb, D7. I have been trying to understand this from the perspective of the Circle of Fourths and Fifths. After the initial G, I'd expect a C or a D, but they go to a EbMAJ7, which I think sounds lovely especially because of how the bassist emphasizes it; however, I don't understand theoretically why these chords work. Are all of these chords in a particular key? Perhaps someone strong in music theory can offer insight. Thanks.

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[–] favrion@lemmy.studio 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

G: G B D D#maj7: D# G A# D A#: A# D F D7: D F# A C

None of these chords share a key, since G Major only has an F# and not a D# or an A# (the last of which would be written as Bb in a minor key.) However, I see a few trails that keep the progression solid: 1: G > G > F > F > then it loops; it's a climb from the b7 to the subtonic to the tonic in a satisfying resolution 2: G > D > D > D... a simple I V I loop 3: D is an ostinato and since it is the V it keeps you in suspense, but also the D > D# > D > C dances around that to make it interesting 4: B > A# > A# > A... between the third and the ninth almost like a I V I 5: This is in no particular key, but jumping from G to D is boring, so they added tension with the bVI which invokes a spacey or nostalgic feeling, at least for my ears; also, A# to D# is a fourth like D to G so it doesn't sound super jarring.

I hope that makes sense.

Edit: The shakiness can be derived from the unstable key center, to allude to the track title. The lyrics depict a character who has just gone through a breakup I presume, so they feel "blue" like a blue note doesn't fit in the key.

[–] TripDawkins@lemmy.studio 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

jumping from G to D is boring

Isn't that the truth!

A# to D# is a fourth like D to G

That's a very good point! Thanks!

[–] favrion@lemmy.studio 1 points 1 year ago