During the intro (0:00 ~ 0:04),
The chord progression is: I maj7 -> IV maj7 -> b VII maj7-> b III maj7 -> b VI maj7 -> II7-> b II maj7 -> V
What is this called? Is this an example of an extended "II-V"?
Where can I find more examples like this?
2 Answers
It's a cycle of fifths (or fourth if you want to look at it this way). It is a chain of chords with roots a fifth apart. The whole thing and parts of it are commonly used. The presence of the flats doesn't matter so much, it's the nominal fifth progression that matters.
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Thanks! that makes sense. Do you know some other similar examples too?– EsjayCommented Feb 15, 2019 at 2:38
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The obvious diatonic cycles, major: I,IV,vii0,iii,vi,ii,V,I or in minor (where the last three chords work well) i,iv,VII,III,VI,ii0,V,i. The "ragtime" progression: I,III7,VI7,II7,V7.I or the I,vi,ii,V or I,vi,IV,V which are popular.– ttwCommented Feb 15, 2019 at 4:23
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Yeah but the attached song used non-diatonic chords, I maj7 -> IV maj7 ->( b VII maj7-> b III maj7 -> b VI maj7 -> II7-> b II maj7). I am trying to see more examples in songs and wondering which scales should be used in such a case. Should it be interpreted as modal interchange and used with a minor scale?– EsjayCommented Feb 15, 2019 at 5:06
These are all variations of the circle of fifth:
(I would also subsum the tritonus substitution and the chromatic scale downwards... )
with a less sophisticated and more generous analysis we could get a better understanding of the harmonic process.
looking for another piece with a similar progression?
here is one at 1:42 min
the bass plays the circle of fifth: B-E-A-D-G-C-F-E
organ, piano and guitar play: B7-Bb7-A7-Ab7-G7-F#-E
answered Feb 15, 2019 at 9:56