Exploring the Mythical Chords of God Only Knows
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2024
- Tim Smolens explores and explains the complex mythical chord progression of God Only Knows by written by Brian Wilson for the Beach Boys from their Pet Sounds album.
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#musictheory #music #brianwilson #beachboys #chordprogression #chords #chordstutorial #keychange #godonlyknows #petsounds #musiceducation #musiceducator #60smusic #chordprogression #conservatory #musician #chords #chordstutorial 
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I always figured that Brian came up with the title to the song when someone asked him "What key is it in?"
hahahaha
Love seeing someone absolutely geek out over Brain Wilson. He truly is the king
There’s an edit button in YT.
Not every brain is bothered by spelling mistakes @@DovidM
..... and has a great brain😂
The piece totally deserves it. A masterpiece of composition and chord progression.
I tried to play it, it is really hard to to play it totally correctly.
There are a few Beatles songs that I also struggled with. But those are top of the field artists.
Wilson’s God Only Knows is the crowning achievement of modern pop composition.
It would be hard for me to disagree with that statement. Thanks a lot for watching and commenting.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Yesterday is up there.
@@harrisbeatsfrankou6304 - Indeed, wonderful song. I guess it’s always gonna come down to The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Two of the greatest bands ever…
Great song writers can write complex music. Genius songwriters can write complex music that doesn't sound complex. Also, can we take a moment to acknowledge that Tim has a lovely singing voice? (Adding the reverb was a good touch.)
The coldest studio
Keeps the theory fresh.
if he turned on the heater, all we'd hear is: ZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZUUHZHUU...
As a beginning piano player, most of this was way over my head. But your ability to dissect the unique chord structure, and show how it makes for such a beautiful song, just blew me away. Very impressed with your mastery and presentation.
Thanks for this breakdown. That was fun! That half-diminished chord, even if it's just momentary, "makes" some of the best progressions in pop music. Jimmy Webb's "Galveston", The Beatles' "Here, There, & Everywhere", & "Penny Lane", come to mind (not to mention lots of Motown hits). I heard McCartney say that he didn't know what to call many of the chords he used, but he knew them intuitively. Brian seemed to have more of a handle on notation & the technical part, but it never spoiled his particular genius.
The half diminished (minor 7 flat 5) chord is definitely a feature of lots of piano-centred hits, like "Bridge over Troubled Water" (where it's featured on the "er" of "over", for instance)
It's in "She's Leaving Home" in a similar way like 5 or 6 times
The song's ambiguity is what's most beautiful about it. Impressionism & dream-like art can really take you away.
I love how it never truly resolves almost to signify that nothing ever really ends
Everything you said about how amazing this song is is absolutely true. Every single time I hear it. I am amazed again at the transitions. Great video.
Brian says that this song came from God... and that he wrote it in 4 minutes. I believe him. The chord progressions are truly unbelievable. I've worked on playing this song on my piano most of my life and it almost makes me cry. You are right... Brian knew how to blend several instruments and voices on the same part to create a unique and beautiful timbre. Many of those instruments are kind of buried in the mix so that we hear something brand new. We'll never hear another one like it. Very good analysis Tim.
I prefer to explain that it’s in the key of A but shifts between A Ionian (major) and A Lydian (major #4) which features prominently at the ending looping turnaround lines:
At the start of the phrase the D# note leads up to E while at the end of the phrase the D natural note (on the E chord) resolves down to C# (on the A chord) which is truly a magnificent display of “Modal Interchange”
Sir McCartney’s judgement was very accurate.
This is a brilliant take
Love it
Edit: The subtle Bmi7 that effortlessly brings us back from being up a fourth is crazy. What is this sorcery!
The way you described the sneaky, beautiful chord changes as 'insidious' perfectly describes how this song has always felt to me. Very well said!
When he wrote it, it was so good, it only needed MINOR changes :) ... I'll go now
Thanks. Great music often leaves the impression of simplicity, even though it's layered, complex, & subtle. Also: the arts have taught me that - if you're gonna break the rules, then 1) know what the rules are, & 2) break them creatively for a good reason. Otherwise, you're just all over the place, & people's reaction will be, "Please stop!". tavi.
ISS is one of the best tributes to Beach Boys ever. Love your love for Brian. Xx
Wonderful presentation/analysis of a gorgeous, sublime piece of music. Thank you!
Fantastic.Thank you. Your analysis makes total sense which proves how great your explanation is.
This is awesome!! Thank you for your time and effort.
Tim!! Great breakdown man. You really are up there with Brian Wilson as far as your composing, harmonies, writing & all around musicianship.
What an awesome video. Thank you so much for this. Killer job. Learnt so much. What a beautiful falsetto you have as well
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this wonderful analysis. 🙂
What a masterclass!!! Thank you!
This is great stuff...love this song. This kind of chord analysis brings me back to my jazz guitar lessons
Great analysis and exposition. I'd add that much of the harmony seems to have been driving by the bass lines. I can imagine Brian just fussing around trying to find chords that would fit over the stepwise motion he keeps using. Much of the beauty of the song comes from the three way interaction of melody, chords and bass lines. This deserves Beato level views.
dude.... you have such a good theory. just looking the the melody and bassline really simplifies it. the harmonies are so complex, but your theory really makes sense!
Thank you for sharing.
That was brilliant and beautiful. Thanks, brother!
Tim. Great.
Such a great tune. Off the top of my head I'd say David Bowie's "Life on Mars"" is fairly complex harmonically for a pop song.
This is a wonderfully geeky (and very accurate) analysis- bravo!
Absolutely superb walkthrough! thanks so much!
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Great analysis. I agree that the bridge is brilliant-with such disorienting harmonies and with a new melodic line I didn’t realize it was just the verse transposed until I sat down to learn the piece. And then you think: what could be more unimaginative than just transposing the verse… but then the end of the bridge just melts so seamlessly and perfectly back to the final verse that the workmanship is just astonishing, like a mathematical tiling puzzle-and all the more impressive in that the casual listener still doesn’t realize anything has happened.
My goodness. It’s the verse, but transposed!
Not sure how I missed that chord progression. Hiding in plain sight. Pretty brilliant.
The bridge of "What's New" does the same kind of re-use of the A section (in the subdominant key) as a bridge.
Subscribed! I crave this type of harmonic analysis, and this is just that song that truly demands it. Bravo! Also, your voice is Fantastic for presenting this song!
I've always loved the transitions on this song and the tension they create. It gets you off balance.
Awesome analysis, and a tons of fun!
Thanks for sharing Tim, love them chords, that min7b5 chord is the shit
I have heard this song many times and knew it was a great composition. But Tim's video makes me realize the utter complexity and beauty of the song.
If God is the divine nature of that which we can’t possess or conceive of, then this is the perfect musical expression of that. It’s complex in a way that seeks not to draw your attention or be lauded, it simply exists and it changes your life and warms your soul every time you hear it. Magical.
I really appreciate your comments here and can fully relate to the sentiment. This is philosophy and great music is something that should turn our minds in that direction. Thanks for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Awesome analysis!
I’d say the Bbmin7b5 chord on “I’ll make you so sure about it” is a Tritone substitution which leads back to A as the tonal center. While a Bbmin7b5 is very close to an Amaj7 chord, it is also the exact same chord as an E7 but with the Tritone, Bb, in the bass. This move is often used as a sub for a V chord, which is how I believe it’s being used here.
There is a Db in a Bbmin chord, but it is D natural in an E7. There is an Fb (E) and a Ab (G#) in the chord though. So Bbmin7b5 is actually an E6/Bb chord, not an E7/Bb.
Thank you for the way that you beautifully explain this masterpiece. It actually makes me appreciate the song even more, as you call out attention to various instruments and musical genres, so I get to relive the song without having to listen to it.
Súper interesting análisis. Thanks for Sharing
Stunning song. Good job dissecting.
If only there wasn’t a Mike, and Brian delivered Smile
Boy am I glad to bump into this video!
Masterful analysis. Thank you!
Thank you so much. Please subscribe and check out my playlists page to find many similar videos!
very interesting channel you have haha keep uploading videos!!
I remember when this song first came out. I was immediately struck by it's beauty, and it was around the same time that another brilliantly beautiful song was released, Cherish, by the Association. Two of the most moving and emotional songs ever released just a few months apart. So very happy to watch this breakdown, simply loved it.
Awesome channel love it
My God you have a beautiful voice! Dana
The genius Is that with all the chordal complexity, the listener is unaware of it and just perceives it as one dollop of pure beauty.
100% yes. There is overt complexity but being subtle with it is much more difficult to achieve. Thanks for watching!
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Really talented thanks for the great breakdown music 🎶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With a convenient 12 Bar structure it might be the best example of key changes around the circle of 5ths,
I truly love it for the sound and the harmonic theoretical beauty
I really enjoyed your approach to analyzing this stunning song. I am amazed at your level of musical understanding. I think you offer many ways of thinking about this and other music.
Thank you and new sub and thumbs up glad I found your channel and ill recommend you to other musicians and music lovers!
Wow, thanks for the immense props and I am so glad you enjoyed this video. Many more such videos forthcoming.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and Pet Sounds.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Brilliant and fun breakdown. Thanks Tim.
Thank you, I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Tim Simolens, you have nailed it. You have gone through every nook and cranny of my own thought processes for this song. I think that instrumental section that modulates into the key of A, may have inspired Jimmy Webb with his chord interludes in Mac Arthur Park.
I have loved listening to music since I can remember, and "play" music somewhat. I love watching these types of channels because music theory is SO interesting and helps me appreciate the songs even more. What is also shows me is that I don't know shit lol This and so many other tunes that sound so basic and simple are masterpieces, and that goes to the magic that true musicians can create. Add stellar production and accompaniment, and long lasting, much beloved music is seared into our brains and, more importantly, our hearts. Music touches me like nothing else in the world, and absorbing what you teach is exciting. Love this type of analysis!
Tremendous analysis
Just might be the only existentialist love song ever written re "I may not always love you". Like many other sublime examples of the best music of any genre you care to name, time seems to stand still whenever I hear this song
Yes. This song and the soulness is on the extreme outlying extension of music vibe spectrum’s utter pleasure. You know.
Most beautiful song ever made
Really nice video.
Greatest illustration video ever...
This was well done!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it and leave a comment. It makes me happy to see people are enjoying the content.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists on my channel to find the videos that might interest you.
www.youtube.com/@TimSmolens/playlists
Enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
This video from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired group ISS, is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and Pet Sounds.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Thanks for this. :)
Really loved this video. Brian's music is just amazing. I mean....the smile album....just that is beyond talent....is just magical....and he unfortunately was never able to listen in stereo....so all those voice/instruments arrangements are all from his imagination. Just uniquely talented people who baffle us with these things of pure beauty. Big thanks ps* maybe you could deep dive in 'cabin essence' someday?
One thing I think is really cool that I didn't notice you mention is the chromaticism in the bass coming from those inversions. The bass moves chromatically starting from the first E/B in the verse and going through the chorus (aside from the whole step motion to and from the F#).
The instrumental bridge that serves as the pivot for the modulation is so strange and wonderful. It LOOKS so much like it should be in C, but I can't help HEARING it like it wants to resolve to A.
Great video, thank you!
Fascinating, and beautiful, video. I'm 74, taking piano lessons, and will make this song my next project. I thought for a short while that you were lip syncing the Beach Boys vocal track, your voice was so good... Subscribed to this channel, adding to my subs already of Kent Hewitt and Rick Beato.
Excellent...
Thanks!
Thanks so much for supporting my channel! Come join me at High Castle Conservatory.
Great analysis..thank you
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Are you cold lad?
Just ran across this video - thanks for making it as this is one of my favorite songs of all time. I've often wondered not about its technical details, but instead how he came to construct it...I really doubt that any of the music theory beneath the finished product actually was part of its construction.
I've always thought he came into a genius melody (and I mean genius) and then developed the chord structure underneath it. When conventional chords didn't work, he simply made up new ones that of course can be named since they're melodic. It's clear evidence he was a true savant, not unlike a child Mozart doing things he intuitively knew to be good but had no idea why. And if people have not seen the documentary on the making of Pet Sounds, it's required watching.
Thanks for the comments and watching the video. My feeling is Brian had more of an intuitive approach than an analytical, although analysis is quite helpful for those of us looking to learn the devices he is employed. I agree with everything you said, Brian occupies a special place in music history.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Keep in mind that "minor 6 chord" is a jazz/pop thing. In classical harmony it's always a half diminished seventh in first inversion. So that Bm6 can be seen as the viiø in A (G#ø/B) as well
Yes thanks for mentioning that. My analysis inherently has a pop/jazz bent although I do use the roman numerals as well. I am aware of the relationship between mi6 and mi7b5, and yes Bmi6 and Abmi7b5 have the same notes but can function differently depending on the progression. In this case it is a bit of semantics as either name would work but to my eye as far as a jazz progression the minor 6 looks better in this case. Thanks for the comment!
You got it Tim, and as you mentioned it doesn't really change the overall analysis. thanks for this video!
22:30 that final drop back down into the verse after the bridge was inherent n subtly foreshadowed from the onset of the bridge prob in the chromatic half step descending bassline but how he knew how to do all of it can only he answered by he heard it in his head and played it exactly right
I really like how you said that analysing songs for a songwriter is the same as copying licks and phrases for an improvisor. Personally, I've used this analogy always for me but not many people talk about it. There's a notion going around that these artists didn't know what they were doing and so we also don't need to but it's actually not true. The Beatles, Brian Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Sting and all the great songwriters had learnt these devices from other songs and eventually developed their own harmonic and melodic language. One has to put in the study, no other way!
I had no idea the God only knows line is sung a fourth above that one time. Brian must have been impressed with himself when he did that.
Good analysis - my theory is, with supranatural talent of Brian Wilson, that the melody precedes the chords - the chords were trial and error after the melody was settled. It's the melody that comes out of nowhere - or somewhere :)
Great content.
Took me a long time to realize God Only Knows is a modal based song in E, with chords from E mixolydian (D, Bm), E lydian (A#dim), and E major (with C dim being like an alteration of B major, as it's B major with the root note raised a half step)
Great analysis. I could watch a breakdown of every Brian Wilson song from both Pet Sounds and Smile.
The only other pop song that to me that sounds just as harmonically complex is Scott Walker’s - “It’s Raining Today.”
This is a great video, super helpful. Thank you for this. Would you possibly be willing to post your chord document to reference while practicing?
brilliant
Interesting thing about the E vs. A key thing -- I agree that it clearly has an E tonal center in the intro, and doesn't sound at all like it's in A (I'm surprised that your ear used to be able to hear it that way!); if you had to pick a key that the song is in, it's definitely E. But when doing this song live, going back decades, the Beach Boys usually ended it on an A chord, so you get even more of a sense of ambiguity of key and a lack of resolution as the song ends. On another note (pun intended) -- Witchita Lineman is another song with shifting tonal centers that, other than in the intro, never again hits the I chord (F) for the rest of the song. Another brilliant composition.
Another one from this era with an ambiguous center is Maybe I'm Amazed. I think it's in C but no sheet music I've found agrees with that!
I came here to post that Wichita Lineman was similarly cryptic keywise, and I agree about Maybe I'm Amazed being another. Both are entirely unlike (say) Morning has Broken, which simply (but beautifully) modulates repeatedly to and fro at the change of verse.
The only guy I can think of with a level of ambiguity in his music was Elliott Smith but Elliott’s music may be easier to explain than this Beach Boys masterpiece.
I admire this analysis of a pop masterpiece. I'm a self-taught musician--not trained, & with little music theory under my belt, so please be patient with my ignorance--but I have a good ear. That beautiful, magical half diminished chord ("so sure about it") I think of as a modified version of C#m, with A# in the base (easy fingering on guitar). The A# in the base provides an extremely compelling descending-baseline transition following E/B, immediately before finally resolving to A. Most pop/rock songwriters would have put C#m there, but Brian Wilson isn't most songwriters. Some other gifted writers (even if not quite in Brian's league) have used this same sort of transition-to-resolution. You can hear it, for example, in two separate transitions in Elton John's "Your Song". "God Only Knows" is definitely a product of genius.
"modified version of C#m"
Yes. B♭m7♭5 is an inversion of C#m6.(notes are C# A# G# E). A# is the 6 that's absent from your C#m.
@@jackmartinleith You're observation is correct, of course. However, I feel that given its position and role in the song, the chord is better described as C#m/A# than as a variant of Bbm7 (as in the video). A straight C#m would work there--and as I say, that's what most pop/rock songwriters would have put there--but Brian's added A# in the base creates more drama and beauty in setting up the resolution to A major.
I think of half dim chords the same way 👍
great
i am sure brian didn't know the song like you do... thanks!
Well done...
Thanks so much for watching and giving some feedback!
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You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
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The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
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Great vid. But the vocal arrangement in the outro, not discussed here, is stunning perfection.
Thanks for checking out, you are 100% right that I should have spent some time on that vocal outro. Sometimes after I do videos I realize the things I left out. If you check out my playlist page there are a bunch of other Beach Boys videos including Surf's Up and a bunch of other tunes, I hope you enjoy
@@TimSmolens Thank you!
The flat 7 plus the sharp A8 minus the sus add 9 divided square root of c#7 make it something I can really appreciate. Dig it man, dig it.
I think it’s in A, goes to IV like a blues, chorus is built on V chord like much classical. The bridge chords come from the Parallel Am, and then the high energy modulation to IV for the ending…. Just has some late-romantic/jazz style departures from the key. Loved your analysis too, amazing thing!!
I think a case could be made for what you say but I still say that French Horn melody with the D# indicates E. There is a lot of semantics in chord analysis and multiple ways to see these forking paths that emerge along the way. Thanks a lot for watching and leaving me a comment.
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ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
It is interesting the relationship between the notes
That barber shop tag is based on the ascending half step blues scale turn around
Of course it goes to D/A. Brian was definitely thinking of this. Look at the chord that precedes it. Every note wants to go to D/A - every note! It's called chord leading or leading tones. Thanks for the rest of the analysis. Nice vocal.
Good point! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a
Must be cold in that place. Good analysis ! Thanks.
Yes, ha ha, I turned off the furnace for a few hours to film the video. I just came out with a new analysis of the Beach Boys song WONDERFUL you should check out. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven't already. Thanks lot for watching!
I'll never forget the moment I worked out that Bb-7b5 chord (to Amaj7). It still blows me away to this day. I feel like this use of a min7b5 chord dropping to a major7 chord a semitone below is almost without precedent. Typically you might see a fully diminished chord or a dominant or even a maj7 chord used in this way but half diminished seems very underutilised. Does anyone know another song that uses this particular progression/chordal movement?
When will he begin talking about the chord progression? God Only Knows...
Sometimes things need context.... fast forwarding is an option too.
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I like this guy. He lives it
Thanks for the comment. Yes I have been diving into this stuff for many years and at this point I am bathing in it!
Please help my efforts to grow this channel by subscribing and ringing the notification bell. Also check out the categorized playlists ("Music Education Categories") from my various music projects on my channel's homepage to find the videos that might interest you.
ruclips.net/user/timsmolens
You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here.
ruclips.net/video/I0mBS59BU_Y/видео.htmlsi=Znh1ok6hrgvhOzfh
The following video link is from my Beach Boys/doo wop-inspired vocal group ISS, and is the title track from our album "She's a Girl," an unapologetic homage to the Beach Boys SMiLE and employs a theme from Heroes and Villains.
ruclips.net/video/N1t4a3f4FSs/видео.htmlsi=SOblKCz8wyx71s4D
If you like it please consider buying the album on Bandcamp or timsmolens.com
I also have a wild sci-fi progressive group (that has to be heard to be believed) consisting of renowned international virtuosos called High Castle Teleorkestra. Here is our new video and we have a record available ("The Egg That Never Opened") on Bandcamp or the bands website.
ruclips.net/video/Iy3LRe88ieg/видео.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a