0

Sometimes I listen to some songs and try to get the underlying features of it, and this time I've hit a bump.... I have no idea what is the progression on the following song:

enter image description here

It's TheFatRat and AleXa's "Rule the World" chorus part. If I transcribed it correctly, that's the song. In case the image doesn't show, the chords are Bb-F-G-C, on an F Major scale. So, from the little I know on music theory, this song's progression should be IV-I-II-V, right?

However, I haven't found this specific progression in my researches. Am I understanding this progression incorrectly, or does this progression actually exists? If it does, what's its name?

2
  • 1
    The song is in F and needs b-flat as signature. That’s why Aaron’s analysis is correct. Btw.: Your rhythmic notation lacks of transparency. Usually this rhythm should be notated by 2 tied 16th on the syncopation: gate, top, space, up. Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 18:24
  • 1
    I used a random notation online solution just to describe what I was thinking, I didn't aim for precise notation, at that moment. As for the signature, I had forgotten, thanks for pointing that out!
    – Artur S.
    Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 20:45

1 Answer 1

2

Allowing your transcription is correct, then yes, the progression is IV-I-II-V. However, since the II chord has a raised third (B-natural rather than B-flat), it would be better written as IV-I-V/V-V. V/V (read: five of five) means that chord functions as a dominant chord relative to the following C chord. This is called a "secondary dominant".

The progression itself doesn't have a name, but an ending on a dominant chord is called a "half cadence".

2
  • 2
    Or, an imperfect cadence, to the right of the pond.
    – Tim
    Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 19:51
  • @ASousa Good point. I've added a couple of links to Wikipedia definitions.
    – Aaron
    Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 20:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.