"Silver Bells" is (amazingly) fine as a I - IV - V song!
Category: Music
The melody I put is how I can remember it so if something seems a bit off just change it. I heard it yesterday abbreviated on a commercial and was rather shocked that this fits well as one of millions of 3 chord songs!
[this fist stanza isn't familiar but I keep it here since the source of these lyrics is very solid-it's likely a freely sung prelude]
Christmas makes you feel emotional It may bring parties or thoughts devotional Whatever happens or what may be, Here is what Christmas time means to me.
I 1 6 5 3 /1 6 5 3 City sidewalk, busy sidewalks IV /3 2 1 6 6 6 dressed in holiday style. V I /2 1 7 5 b5 4 5 7 6 5 In the air there's a feeling of Christmas. I 1 6 5 3 /1 6 5 3 Children laughing, people passing, IV /3 2 1 6 6 6 meeting smile after smile,
V I /2 1 7 5 b5 4 5 7 1 And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear:
I IV ..3 4 5 6 7 1 Silver bells,(echo) silver bells,(echo) V I 7 7 1 2 1 7 1..5 It's Christmas time in the city.
I IV ..3 4 5 6 7 1 Ring-a-ling,(echo) hear them ring,(echo) V I 7 7 1 2 1 7 1 soon it will be Christmas day.
City street lights, even stop lights, blink a bright red and green, As the shoppers rush home with their treasures.
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch, This is Santa's big scene, And above all this bustle you'll hear:
Silver bells, silver bells, It's Christmas time in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day.
/=go up ..=go down (down slash turns into the two dots but it will do).
The key of Ab, A & Bb all allow a comfy singing range for sing-a-longs (or singing yourself). In A: I=A IV=D V=E
Enjoy!
Got some good times available if you're looking for lessons! info
I 5 5 6 5 3 1 3 5 Up on the housetop reindeer pause, IV I V 6 6 5 3 2 /5 5 Out jumps good old Santa Claus. I 5 5 6 5 3 2 1 3 5 Down thru' the chimney with lots of toys, IV I V7 I 6 6 6 5 5 3 2 /5 1 All for the little ones, Christmas joys. IV I /4 4 6 5 5 5 3 Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! V7 I 2 4 4 3 5 5 ..1 3 Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! I I7(I/b7)* IV(IV/3) (IV) 5 5 6 5 3 4 5 6 Up on the housetop, click, click, click, I V7 I 5 5 6 5 5 3 2 /5 ..1 Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
(* = more advanced bass line: b7-6-4 related to key)
First comes the stocking of little Nell, Oh, dear Santa fill it well; Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that will open and shut her eyes. Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
Next comes the stocking of little Will, Oh just see what a glorious fill Here is a hammer and lots of tacks, Also a ball and a whip that cracks. Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go! Up on the housetop, click, click, click, Down thru' the chimney with good Saint Nick.
One can play the 7's as 'plain' chords leaving out the 7ths so V7 can just be V. I7 just I. This is always true when you see a 7th chord. Having a 7th adds a nice degree of spice but isn't an absolute to have. Keeping a good rhythm and steady tempo will make the most difference to good leading so add those in when they won't interfere with the rhythmic feel.
Keys for sing-a-long: C, Db, D, Eb, E, F
1(low) to 6(high) is an unusually narrow range which allows for many keys! If the sing-a-bees are stood up, warmed up or wound up then the higher keys will work best.
A common 'key change' move: A moment after the final "I" hit the "V" &/or "V7" of the key a half OR whole step higher then continue on with the "I" and a new verse! Another way to look at(hear) it from the last 4 beats: V7 / I / VI / VI7 / New key up a whole step: V / V7 / I Vs, etc.
V7 / I / bVI / bVI7 / New key up a half step: V / V7 / I Vs, etc.
Chords to Christmas songs (and audios) have been added!
Category: Music
Chords to the Christmas songs have been added! Audios are being added with melody in the right channel and "block" chords in the left channel ! ! ENJOY . . . for these take a little while to produce (even noisy audios).
"O Christmas Tree" uses just TWO chords I & V (part 3 of Nov 10 blog)
Category: Music
We Wish You A Merry Christmas (below)
O Christmas Tree I 5 /1 1 1 2 3 3 3 O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! V I 3 2 3 4 ..7 2 1 How are thy leaves so verdant! I 5 /1 1 1 2 3 3 3 O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, V I 3 2 3 4 ..7 2 1 How are thy leaves so verdant! I V /5 5 3 /6 5 5 4 4 Not only in the summertime, V I 4 4 2 2 /5 4 4 3 3 But even in winter is thy prime. I 5 /1 1 1 2 3 3 3 O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, V I 3 2 3 4 ..7 2 1 How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me! For every year the Christmas tree, Brings to us all both joy and glee. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly! Each bough doth hold its tiny light, That makes each toy to sparkle bright. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly!
/ = big jump up .. = big jump down (it's a backward slash on computer keyboard which is what is intended here)
Of course, this can be done with more chords but (unlike many 'simplifications') this sounds fine. Progressing the 'V' to a 'V7' can work well, too. For many to be able to sing-a-long comfortably the range of keys would be: D, Eb, E, F, Gb (Eb is the highest note for this song in Gb - about as high as you'd ever want to push general mixed singers) Any higher or lower will strain the low and highs that a mixed group can sing. ("A" low to over an octave to "Eb" high -- if folks are warmed up, standing up or wound up).
We Wish You A Merry Christmas I IV 5 /1 1 2 1 7 6 6 We wish you a merry Christmas II(7) V(7) 6 /2 2 3 2 1 7 5 We wish you a merry Christmas I7(or III) IV(or VIm) 5 /3 3 4 3 2 1 6 We wish you a merry Christmas V(or IIm) V7 I 5 5 6 /2 7 1 And a happy New Year. I V ..5 /1 1 1 7 Glad tidings we bring IV V 7 1 7 6 5 To you and your kin; I I(or IIIm) /2 3 2 1 /5 ..5 Glad tidings for Christmas V(or IIm) V7 I 5 5 6 /2 7 1 And a happy New Year!
We want some figgy pudding We want some figgy pudding We want some figgy pudding Please bring it right here! Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!
We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some So bring it out here! Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!
We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas And a happy New Year. Glad tidings we bring To you and your kin; Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!
Chording-wise this is very, very doable with I,IV,V & II(as a major chord). Both the keys F & G allow a popularly singable range for sing-a-longs ranging C up to D. I,IV,V & II: F Bb C G G C D A
"Away In A Manger" melody and more (part 2 of Nov 10 blog)
Category: Music
I IV I 5 5 4 3 3 2 1 1 7 6 5 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, V IV I 5 5 6 5 5 /2 7 6 5 /1 3 the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head, I IV 5 5 4 3 3 2 1 1 7 6 The stars in the bright sky looked down where he I 5 lay, V I IV V I 5 /4 3 2 3 2 1 2 ..6 7 1 the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and take us to heaven, to live with you there.
Alternate Version
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
/ = big jump up .. = big jump down (it's a backward slash on computer keyboard which is what is intended here)
The "range" is from 5 up an octave to 5. You can get folks to sing-a-long if the range is from A-C and even A-D or Eb if folks are standing or well warmed up or wound up. So then the lowest key usable would be "D" where 5-5 would be A-A. Since the song starts high this key could tempt many except that by the time you're well into singing it all are down to that pretty low (for most) 'A' note. C-C is nearly always a safe range that can allow pretty much everyone to sing. That would put this song in the key of "F" which is an easy key for keyboards to play chords to (the song uses just I-IV-V) but more intermediate for guitar. In that case the guitar could play those 3 chords (I-IV-V) as D-G-A with the capo at the 3rd fret!
Please spread the word about this blog and know that I am looking to recruit new students from throughout mid-Michigan. Beginners/intermediates are most welcome! More info link. Lansing, MI "Craigslist" online classifieds also has my listing. Hoping also to also catch some of the MSU students who can enjoy some day hour discounts! THANKS.
Melody scale number "sounds" with familiar Christmas songs!
Category: Music
I 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 Deck the halls with boughs of holly V I V I 2 3 4 2 3 2 1 7 1 Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la I /5 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 'Tis the season to be jolly V I V I 2 3 4 2 3 2 1 7 1 Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la V I 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 ..2 Don we now our gay apparel I IV II V 3 4 5 6 7 1 7 6 5 Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la. I 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol IV I V I /6 6 6 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
See the blazing Yule before us. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Follow me in merry measure. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la While I tell of Yule-tide treasure. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fast away the old year passes. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Hail the new year, lads and lasses Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Sing we joyous, all together. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la heedless of the wind and weather. Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
/ = big jump up .. = big jump down (it's a backward slash on computer keyboard which is what is intended here) For general participation sing-a-long the key of C is very good since the low to high notes are "B" up an octave to "C" which is a very comfy range for most. Since the low note (in any key) is "7" and the high is "1" (up an octave) you may be able to use the key of D (C sharp-D) or even Eb (D-Eb) if all are stood up, warmed up or wound up.
For advanced players a nice substitute for lines 1, 3, & 7 (lines w/ just the I chord) use: I, IIIm7/5, VIm7, I/5. (1,7,6,5 bass relative to key). Opt: ONLY doing that on line 7 gives it a fancy end. Lines 2 & 4 could continue with: V/3, I, Vsus V, I. (7,1,5,1 bass rel. to key). V & I/5 for line 5. (all 5 bass). I, IV, II, V for line 6 (II is major). I, IIIm7/5, VIm7, I/5 for line 7. (1,7,6,5 bass relative to key). Line 8 ends it with: IV, I/5, V, I. (4,5,5,1 bass rel. to key).
An unexpected I - VIm - IV - V progression when listening through some 80's Van Halen! (Granted it's in a "single" and their move to be more "pop" or "hit" oriented.) Here's an excerpt from the end which loops the progression. NOTE that the refrain uses an unusual THREE measure pattern instead of the usual 4/8 measure patterns. It's in the key of C: C-Am-F-G
I-IV-V in 8 common Keys: Keys: I IV V Eb: Eb Ab Bb Bb: Bb Eb F F: F Bb C C: C F G G: G C D D: D G A A: A D E E: E A B
The Chord's notes: Name: Root 3rd 5th A: A C sharp E Bb: Bb D F B: B D sharp F sharp C: C E G D: D F sharp A Eb: Eb G Bb E: E G sharp B F: F A C G: G B D Ab: Ab C Eb
(sharp has to be written out since the shift+3 key doesn't work here)
Please spread the word about this blog and know that I am looking to recruit new students from throughout mid-Michigan. Beginners/intermediates are most welcome! More info link. Lansing, MI "Craigslist" online classifieds also has my listing. Hoping also to also catch some of the MSU students who can enjoy some day hour discounts! THANKS.
Classic 50’s progression used in 100’s of songs (many examples)
Category: Music
I think EVERYONE (even non musicians) hears the patterns in music (perhaps more subconsciously). It's a big part of what makes a song sound like a song rather than a meandering series of chords without any form. By looking closely at those patterns one can recognize them and connect much quicker to one's instrument and to broader music in general.
I / VIm / IV / V /
Beginners just play 2 beats of each of these chords to hear this sound with your chord instrument: C=C-e-g (I) Am=A-c-e (VIm) F=F-a-c (IV) G=G-b-d (V)
If played in that order the 50's progression works and sounds alike in ALL keys thus giving you an I.D. stamp of sorts for future recognition! Even in the key of Ab! Actually ALL keys are alike in this regard. Different keys are needed so the melody can be in the range of a particular singer or easier for horns to play and other utilitarian purposes.
For lotsa examples of the 50's classic progression: I / VIm / IV / V / try any or all of these below (just press "play"):
"Please Mister Postman - Beatles" in the key of A: A-Fsharp m-D-E
"D'yer Mak'er - Led Zeppelin" in the key of Bb: Bb-Gm-Eb-F
"Blue Moon - The Marcels" in the key of G: G-Em-C-D
"Earth Angel - Penguins" [note: there IS another section in the song with a different progression.]
Ab=Ab-c-eb (I) Fm=F-ab-c (VIm) Db=Db-f-ab (IV) Eb=Eb-g-bb (V) (Keyboard players "voice" these using inversions where the same notes are rearranged for smoothness).
"Earth Angel - Death Cab For Cutie" is a fine remake in the key of Ab: Ab-Fm-Db-Eb
And the 'Shooby, dooby, do wop' of
"In The Still Of The Night - Drifters" in the key of F: F-Dm-Bb
"In The Still Of The Night - Boyz II Men" in the key of E: E-Csharp m-A-Bsus-B
A current hit song: "Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston"
( or copy-paste or type the title - artist into the deezer.com search box )
I was watching the preview to the US Open Tennis Tournament (the last of 4 "majors" for Tennis) and they had "Beautiful Girls" performed live. Immediately noticeable was the I - VIm - IV - V 50's sound. Well, it turns out that the WHOLE song follows the progression JUST like "Stand By Me" AND in the key of "A" also! (It was likely written originally as a "sample" from the original bass line.) It has 2 measures each of I & VIm then 1 measure each of IV & V then 2 measures of I then repeat to the end. Charted for ALL keys it looks like: [: I / / / I / / / VIm / / / VIm / / / IV / / / V / / / I / / / I / / / :]
If you're a keyboard player be sure to "voice" the chords if you want a smoother progression. Other instruments remember the VIm chord is minor.
The 2nd live music act in the US Open preview show did 2 measures each of I - V - VIm - IV (in the key of "B") in the refrain of their song! If your ear is pretty good you'll notice that the last 2 beats of the V chord has the note changed to between V & VI as a smooth transition to the VIm chord. It's a sharp'V 'diminished chord. That's a classic/traditional super old school move. I - sharp'I'diminished - IIm is how it works off the I chord. In the Key of C it's C-e-g Csharp-e-g D-f-a (sorry that "sharp" is used in place of the tic-tac-toe sign that isn't working). Found a video of the song on YouTube which is produced a lot heavier than the live rendition I heard from the US Open stadium.
Key: I IV V VIm (in common keys) E: E A B Csharp m A: A D E Fsharp m D: D G A Bm G: G C D Em C: C F G Am F: F Bb C Dm Bb: Bb Eb F Gm Eb: Eb Ab Bb Cm Ab: Ab Db Eb Fm (the sharp sign "tic-tac-toe" does not work)
Classic old 50's progression is 'born again' and re-arranged
"How Great Is Our God" (has classic "Stand By Me" chord progression in the refrain of this moving song) ="">
"How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin" is a relatively new song following the classic 50's order of I-VIm-IV-V:(Ref)
Intro I / / / I / / / I / / / I / / /
Vs I / / / I / / / VIm / / / VIm / / / IVmaj7 / / / IVmaj7 / / / 2x
Ref I / / / I / / / VIm / / / VIm / / / IV / / / V / / / I / / / I / / /
The Ref has the same progression as the new "Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston" cloned (sampled) from 'Stand By Me'.
Recording in the key of Db: I=Db VIm=Bbm IVmaj7=Gbmaj7 IV=Gb V=Ab
Hint: Guitar capo 1 (elec keys +1 transpose) and play in C: I=C VIm=Am IVmaj7=Fmaj7 IV=F V=G
Remember that ANY key will sound right as long as you follow the progression which equals the sound of this particular accompaniment! Let's say it's too high or low for a particular singer (or to lead a group) or if one needs to arrange it for 'horn' keys like 'Eb' or 'Ab' (or whatever) then one just follows the progression. BETTER than all that is the training of your 'recognition' faculties of your ear which will only make one a better musician all around!
OR you might just want to . . . "Shout To The Lord" excerpts: During the song refrain "Shout to the Lord . . ." the first 4 measures follow the familiar progression: I / VIm / IV / V / (2 times) Yes, I - VIm - IV - V works and sounds alike in ALL keys! Even in Bb! The arranger chose to use that progression thru most all of the extended ending, too. Even when the pattern is different the chords used are those same four chords like: VIm / / / IV / / / V etc.
A more rockin' version of "Shout To The Lord - Lincoln Brewster": http://www.deezer.com ( copy-paste or type the title - artist into the search box ) Db? hmmmm, guitarists can capo 1 and play C-Am-F-G and electronic keyboardists (who won't touch the key of Db with a ten foot pole) can transpose +1 BUT, did Lincoln Brewster follow the progression as written and from standard versions in the REFRAIN? What does he do (or not do) different? See if you can pick up the difference. REMEMBER that we have TWO ears (and one instrument) so LISTEN.
If you want to "Trade In Your Sorrows" of the key of "Db" for the more used key of "A" just re-arrange those four chords to 2 beats each of: I - IV - VIm - V repeated. REMEMBER that if you are needing to play "Trading My Sorrows" (the real name) so it's easier to sing you can play it in ANY key as long as you play those four chords correctly for the new key. I'll post an audio excerpt if I get back to this (bug me) or I'll remind you that it's just that popular song that says, "Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord" a lot. I'm looking forward to an Alvin and the Chip"monks" version in a high key!
Here's another rearrangement of those 4 chords to "Open The EARS of . . ." er, I mean"Open The Eyes Of My Heart" http://www.deezer.com ( copy-paste or type the title - artist into the search box ) Yes, actually, "EYES" but we can open our TWO ears more since we have TWO ears and one mouth. This is in the Key of 'F'sharp. Sorry, BUT it faithfully uses I - IV - V - VIm in that key then adds those rockin' (think 'Smoke On The Water') chords in the build up to the refrain: I, bIII and IV ! Play along in the key of 'F' if you capo 1 on guitar or adjust your keyboard to +1 transpose. I=F IV=Bb V=C VIm=Dm bIII=Ab. Do you want to know the chords in 'F'sharp? Perhaps if I can get the "sharp" (tic-tac-toe sign at shift+3) to work I'll add them. They aren't THAT bad. Here's the pattern: vs (each chord=a measure) I I V V IV IV I I 2x ref (each chord=a measure) V VIm IV V 2x
If you WANT to add the bIII and IV it's on the last two beats of the vs. *song reference "Open The Eyes Of My Heart."
If you're thinking that "well the 50's music was pretty wholesome and it's also used in some modern worship music so why not write more with these 'holy' chords" you'll want to think again. Chord progressions can help create a certain atmosphere for sure BUT a lot of other things matter, too, like hmmmm, LYRICS! The chord progression here is to that song that just WON'T GO AWAY . . . "Y.M.C.A." I / / / I / / / VIm / / / VIm / / / IV / / / IV / / / V / / / V / / / repeats. If you happen to be Catholic you'll be happy to know that a comedian rewrote that song to be: "R.C.I.A." so it goes on.
ENJOY and absorb these familiar chord sounds that I.D. their distinctive sound no matter the key! Open your ears, expand your music vocabulary. Perhaps you can write music that will be the BEST yet! Patterns and simplicity still reign supreme even with added sounds and little variations of the chords (like adding a 2 to the root-3-5 of a major chord). It will possibly even make you want to "Shout" I / / / VIm / / / (very fast over and over) "It will make you want to shout." [hint: a 70's movie with John Belushi]
SEE the October 5, 2006 blog post for more on this ubiquitous progression.
STILL TRUE as of Oct 23, 2007 . . . Please spread the word about this blog and know that I am looking to recruit new students from throughout mid-Michigan. Beginners/intermediates are most welcome! More info link.
"Picture - Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow" I-IV-V with a bell and a whistle
Category: Music
( copy-paste or type the title into the deezer.com search box if the player doesn't work )
This 2001 acoustic country/rock ballad is reminicent of many, many ballads by the Eagles. It's basically a I-IV-V song (in the key of "G") where on the word "picture" the VIm chord always shows up (the "bell"). If you've heard this song a lot that association ("picture" & VIm) can help train your ear to notice the VIm chord as it might appear in other songs! The Eagles did that a lot but don't ask me to name a particular song. At about 3:10 & 3:30 in a bVII chord shows up as a quick one hit into the IV chord (the "whistle"). This is an old 'gospel' move where one plays the IV of a chord but only briefly. In this case it's the "IV" of the IV (which is bVII). This too, has a signature sound which can help you if start to notice those when they show up. Wikipedia info. Key I IV V VIm bVII ("IV" of IV) F F Bb C Dm Eb C C F G Am Bb G G C D Em F D D G A Bm C A A D E Fsharp m G E E A B Csharp m D
"Let It Be - Beatles" uses (uh, huh) I-IV-V-VIm
Category: Music
( copy-paste or type the title into the deezer.com search box if the player doesn't work )
Another song using I-IV-V-VIm to further help train your ears to better 'catch' those ubiquitous 4 chords! It's in the key of "C" BUT if your or your singer's pipes can't reach those McCartney high notes just use another key! I've played it as low as the key of "G" for a sing-a-long session. C=C-F-G-Am (I-IV-V-VIm) G=G-C-D-Em
The verse (intro & solo, too) is: I / V / VIm / IV / I / V / IV / I /
The refrain is: VIm / I / IV / I / I / V / IV / I /
The interlude/ending is: IV / I / V IV I /
If you're a 'perfectionist' (like your's truly) and/or you hear a bit more on the first IV chord in the verse it's "IVmaj7 IV6" for those 2 beats. It's certainly a IV chord but with a note added (the maj7 then the 6th). Another way to look at the IVmaj7 is that the 'spice' note is left over from the VIm chord. Leaving it out won't hurt but having it there (if you're able) adds an extra touch like one adding spices to a dish. No, I don't (really) cook but I do appreciate spices.
A very creative use of just 3 sections with 4 chords! Hmmm, I wonder if the song will EVER become a hit or heaven forbid, a classic. We'll see.
Please spread the word about this blog and know that I am looking to recruit new students from throughout mid-Michigan. Beginners/intermediates are most welcome! More info link. Lansing, MI "Craigslist" online classifieds also has my listing. Hoping also to also catch some of the MSU students who can enjoy some day hour discounts! THANKS.
I - V6 - VIm7 - IV in Alicia Keys "No One"
Category: Music
Hey Gang - this is another instance of I, IV, V & VIm being used but with a couple cool twists. The progression: I / / / V6/3 / / / VIm7 / / / IV / / / repeats through out the song as mostly 'broken chords' i.e. arpeggios. The key of E is used. The 4 common chords are done as a descending bass of the keynote to 7 to 6 to 4. The other cool twist is to keep the 3rd of the I chord "suspended" into the V chord thus making V into a V6 chord having an inversion of the root-3rd-5th AND 6th. The VIm chord has a seventh but a simpler way of remembering it is as a I chord with the 6 of the key added below it. Try this in other keys or steal it putting your own variation on it then record and release it into the world of the ever slightly changing world of the pop "whalesong." In E: I=E-G sharp-B V6/3=D sharp-F sharp-G sharp-B VIm7=C sharp-E-G sharp-B IV=A-C sharp-E-A
Radiohead’s new "15 Steps" has a long Im - IV - Vm part
Category: Music
Link to audio/video on Rolling Stone. The 'audio' version is cleaner. This song has a unique "in 5" (5/4) groove which puts it in with very few songs most notably "Take Five" a big Dave Brubeck/Paul Desmond hit in the 60's. Im-IV-Vm with one and five as "minor" chords makes it a progression based on the "Dorian" mode (or scale). Before you freak out too much, "Dorian" is just a major scale with a b3 (instead of 3) and a b7 (instead of 7). Scales info. The chords eventually wander away from the Dorian creating a darker, 'outside' sound one of which is Im-IVm-Vm from the 'minor' key. The key of most all of the song is Ab. This writer was able to play it along with the counter melody guitar line (5-4-5, 6-5-6, b7-6-b7, 6-5-4) using a capo at the 4th fret and playing the counter melody on the 3rd string while still playing the chords underneath!
Please spread the word about this blog and know that I am looking to recruit new students from throughout mid-Michigan. Beginners/intermediates are most welcome! More info link. Lansing, MI "Craigslist" online classifieds also has my listing. Hoping also to also catch some of the MSU students who can enjoy some day hour discounts! THANKS.
I - IV - V with basic common super 'old school' variations
Category: Music
The Google spreadsheet of hundreds of 3 chord songs doesn't JUST mean play super boring with ONLY 3 chords. (Certainly with cool rhythms much can be done when strictly restricting oneself to those basic chords.) I'll try to list these in order of use starting with very traditional "moves" from way back that vary the strict I-IV-V. These chord moves are so common (outside of much "pop" 'flavor of the month' music) that playing them will recall parts of hundreds of thousands of songs through many genres! If you're not just centered on whatever's hot now you'll undoubtedly hear some of these moves from your music history. Train your ear to hear these moves. Try them on some of those songs you happen to already know well, especially if you know well the melody. The Google spreadsheet of hundreds of 3 chord songs would likely have songs you know that you can try these on. Have fun adding to and spicing up what could be otherwise just a dreary I-IV-V progression! * V - V7 - I (e.g. . . .V / / / V7 / / / I / / / . . . this is very classic going back hundreds of years yet still used. 1,2 or 3 beats per chord are variations. V / / / V / V7 / I / / / is another variation.) * V7 - I * I - I7 - IV (e.g. . . . I / / / I7 / / / IV / / / . . . this 7th chord is NOT the Imaj7 that one might expect in major keys. It is a country music cliche. Also common in older pop. As above, other chord rhythms are optional.) * I7 - IV7 - V7 (e.g. . . . as with "blues" progressions) * I7 - IV7 (e.g. . . . as a traditional "Gospel/Blues" and later "Soul Music" breakdown. The ending of "I'm A Believer" at the end of the movie "Shrek.") * V7 - Isus4 - I (e.g. . . . a classical move that's cliche for hymns. Isus4 uses a Root-4th-5th rather than a root-3rd-5th of a basic major chord)
I-IV-V in 8 common Keys: Keys: I IV V Eb: Eb Ab Bb Bb: Bb Eb F F: F Bb C C: C F G G: G C D D: D G A A: A D E E: E A B
The Chord's notes: Name: Root 3rd 5th A: A C sharp E Bb: Bb D F B: B D sharp F sharp C: C E G D: D F sharp A Eb: Eb G Bb E: E G sharp B F: F A C G: G B D Ab: Ab C Eb
(sharp has to be written out since the shift+3 key doesn't work here)
to know that a comedian rewrote that song to be: "R.C.I.A." so it goes on.
