Analyzing the Perfect Chords from "We Are The Champions" by Queen

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This video is a musical analysis of the chord progression in "We are the Champions" by Queen. We will see things like key changes/modulations, modal mixture, secondary dominants, and secondary leading tone chords. Lots of complex changes for a song that might seem basic on the surface.
The following topics are touched upon, and you can go further into any of these topics by watching the lessons I've taught on them:
Writing chord progressions in Major: • How To Write Chord Pro...
Writing chord progressions in Minor: • How to write Chords an...
Secondary Dominant Chords: www.youtube.com/watch?v=py4Ha...
Diminished Chord Basics: • Deconstructing Diminis...
Using Diminished Chords: • 5 Easy Ways to Use and...
Modal Mixture: • Using Modal Mixture fo...
Modulations: • Intro to Modulations a...
The I - iii change: • The Secret to Sounding...
Here are my previous videos on Perfect Progressions:
Bruno Mars - If I Was Your Man: • Analyzing the Perfect ...
The Beatles - Something: • Analyzing the Chords f...
A few things to note, that did not make it into the video:
Many of you may "hear" or "feel" a i - bVII instead of a i - v for the intro like I pointed out. That's fine! There is no ONE way to interpret this chord, and often times, we have to choose a name based on our own experiences.
The second half of the verse is Eb - Ab/Eb. I forgot to talk about how nice and soft a I-IV can be when the bass note does not change- in this instance, Eb remains on the bass. It's about as soft and pleasing as two chords can get IMO.
This video is brough to you by my AMAZING Patreon supporters, especially the following fine folks:
Linas Orentas
Joe Buote
Nick White
Patrick Ryan
Christopher Swanson
John Arnold
Jon Reddish
Brandon Combs
Sebastian
Morgan M.
Lord of the Chords
Billyshes
Phillip Sharp
Don Watters
Bradley Bower
Marek Pawlowski
BuzzWasHere
Kip Ingram
Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:29 The Intro Chords
06:21 The Chorus Chords
07:00 The Tone of the Chords
08:04 The Chorus Continued
11:48 Closing Out the Chorus
16:18 The Format of the Song
17:27 What I Learned From This Progression

Опубликовано:

25 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 656

@mimikal7548 4 года назад

"Freddie Mercury sings triads" Now that is next level

@aynoni9919 3 года назад

I thought it was not possible to sing multiple nots at the same time

@RobBCactive 2 года назад

@@aynoni9919 Freddie was often his own harmony vocalist .. multi-track recording had its advantages but he had an incredible ability to sing different parts at a perfect pitch while listening to himself sing at another pitch

@aynoni9919 2 года назад

@@RobBCactive oh now I get it, thanks

@MarkGarbettLlanigan 4 года назад

with progressions like that they really were the champions

@andrewqi6695 3 года назад

lol

@RichWards-Wins Год назад

Amen!

@firstname_lastname3507 4 года назад

Hey, you’re the dude that I learned the 7 modes from

@stevenb.9839 4 года назад

Me too😂

@mattthemetalguitarist 3 года назад

Hey, he's the dude I'm going to learn the 7 modes from

@shadowx2750 3 года назад

@@mattthemetalguitarist gl

@Andrew-zb8fn 3 года назад

7 of the modes

@reziahamed6654 3 года назад

Me too....😎😍🏅

@Outside998 4 года назад

I am a composer myself, writing music for a video game. I consider myself pretty well-versed when it comes to music, but this? Freddie was on a whole nother level.

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

Agreed, it's mindblowing to me that this all works together as one cohesive song

@Outside998 4 года назад

@@SignalsMusicStudio Not only that, but what really blows me away is how complex the song is, yet it sounds so simple that everyone can sing it. It takes real skill to do that. Like you said in the video: you hear it a thousand times, but you never really listen to it. It's simply amazing.

@sapiranimations 4 года назад

@@SignalsMusicStudio I wonder how much of the theory Freddy new. If he was aware of all these amazing things he put in there. Some say it was just his intuiton, which is why it's so difficult to analyze some (if not most) of his compositions.

@Krieghandt 4 года назад

@@SignalsMusicStudio Also, Dr May is brilliant as well. I can imagine Freddie coming up with the basic progression, then May going "kind of boring, mate, have you considered ...

@Sarvasaha 4 года назад

Don't overlook the contribution of the other three. Deacon definitely sneaks under the radar - a great melodic bass player.

@xMTLKx 2 года назад

Queen was so unique, I don't know any other band who made those kind of progression, this was THE sound of Queen

@tcfween 4 года назад

This is a great guitarist's interpretation of a song that was written on piano. This video kinda wanders up to the edge of an Adam Neely video. Another thing about the 'no time for losers' section. Since i was a kid I always thought that melody sounded like the sarcastic child's taunt "ner ner na ner ner'" (not sure if it was the quite the same in America but in England and Australia where I am it went just like that) which adds a layer of depth when you consider the lyrics. Great vid.

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

Incredible observation on the "nah nah na nah nah", a taunt heard on this side of the pond as well

@tcfween 4 года назад

@@SignalsMusicStudio Cheers, mate.

@ThomsenTower 4 года назад

Signals Music Studio Yes, excellent observation!!

@nikkjacobs 4 года назад

I too noticed the ner ners haha only this year since starting my diploma of music Industry, from all the ear training I picked it up and was like wow that is soo clever!!

@ColinProcter 4 года назад

@Hugh Jones That has a different melody to the playground taunt.

@benjaminfeddersen7937 4 года назад

It's hard enough to even follow the train of thought, much less imagine sitting down at an instrument and coming up with this in the first place...and yet when presented in context, everything feels perfectly right. The Beatles were also great at this, you sit down to learn a song and get blown away by the complexity of something that seemed quite simple.

@greenday61892 3 года назад

As silly as it sounds, Beatles Rock Band made me realize just how amazing of a drummer Ringo Starr is. There are some reallllly complex things in their repertoire, and beyond that he just always knew exactly what each track needed from him and when.

@VictorRodriguez-yg4lw 4 года назад

I have no idea what he’s talking about but I couldn’t stop watching!

@josephguitarist925 4 года назад

lol

@diambidomanuel2228 4 года назад

Lol me too

@patrikbohman5443 3 года назад

Haha. My thought exactly.

@mogdor 3 года назад

I do know what he's talking about, and I can tell you he definitely knows his stuff!

@martynspooner5822 4 года назад

And here's me thinking I waa starting to understand theory only to realize I haven't even started. that just blew me away

@alainloisel 4 года назад

Try to learn concepts one by one : inverted chords then borrowed chords then secondary dominants then modulation then diminished chords.. (have a look at his other videos) Many songs have just of one these concepts that makes them interesting. But this one has all of them which makes it so cool to study...

@Krieghandt 4 года назад

Welcome my son, welcome to the Rabbit Hole :)

@WillayG 4 года назад

@@alainloisel Good advice.

@colinbrash 4 года назад

8:01 it’s the juxtaposition that is so powerful. Building from the misery into victory.

@georgepatterson7499 4 года назад

Mind blowing how insightful this is. And more proof that Freddie Mercury was a genius.

@mrelandi3799 4 года назад

This made me go listen to the song with fresh ears. Noticed a few things: 1. Can we just appreciate Deacy’s playing (and at times lack of playing) in this song? Especially when it’s just him and Freddie/piano early in the chorus. 2. Didn’t realise til your video that the final chord of the song was that C7sus4. Leaves you waiting for that “...of the world” leading into the verse that just never comes. Seems like a highly unusual way to end a song, but works so damn well Really awesome video bro

@calm.aware. 4 года назад

It seems that music that stands the test of time always has solid theory and tremendous amounts of skill in it - no matter what genre.

@_XRMissie 4 года назад

This... This is exactly why I love music. There is so much power, feeling and just raw human emotion you can convey with just some wiggly air. It really does suck that all the music theory I know is self taught, but over time I slowly pick up powerful techniques and can apply them deliberately. I love it. Also, I knew Queen's songs were harmonically diverse and complex just by listening to it with a "critical" mind, but this really hammers home the thought behind each note played and sang.

@user-pk4sd9dd2w 4 года назад

This chap is a very clever guy. He also gives you an idea of what a musical genius Freddie was.

@tagapiouplayz3737 4 года назад

Have a look at don’t look back in anger by oasis. It’s in bread and butter c major but the modulations and chords are just perfect. Would be great to analyse.

@tagapiouplayz3737 4 года назад

Bauty Rodriguez and the short transition to a minor is perfect and it leads straight into the chorus perfectly

@badgasaurus4211 4 года назад

Tagapiou Playz If you want to hear another great oasis prpgression then listen to Let’s All Make Believe. Modulates between Dm and D throughout the song, has a D augmented chord in it and a pretty unique sounding chorus

@tagapiouplayz3737 4 года назад

Badgasaurus interesting how they stay on the route all the way through, allows for lot of mixture of scales

@badgasaurus4211 4 года назад

Jayjay McFly Ah I was also going to mention Listen Up. That song is fantastic.

@colinreynolds01 4 года назад

zzzzz fuck Oasis. SOOOO boring

@LeftHandedGuitarist 4 года назад

Great video! Such a complex yet accessible song. One of my favourite secrets about it is when Freddie sings "no time for losers/'cos we are the champions", the vocal melody is the "nah nah na nah nah" playground taunt. So cheeky.

@ellielovesbands 4 года назад

02:33 when you played Eb and Ab for the first time, I got goosebumps just because the song is so good! the chromatic part at 05:50 made me just smile. Queen is my favorite band besides the Beatles. Long live Queen and their music :')

@thatchinaboi 4 года назад

Freddy was a musical genius. Thanks for the analysis.

@munix 4 года назад

"Spread your wings" is a good one for analysis indeed. It is certainly an uncommon scale. Lydian dominant, is my guess.

@kevbon957 3 года назад

I thought it was in D

@ThatOtherRaccoon 4 года назад

This is an amazing video. It's crazy how much modulating happened in Queen's music, yet was so fluidly connected. Great analysis Jake, I've learned things that I know I will use when I write music moving forward.

@vzm4663 4 года назад

The genius of Queen right here. Absolutely brilliant progression 👍

@BenZitoMusic 4 года назад

I wonder if they analyzed it so much when they were writing it. Awesome song and awesome job explaining this. the visuals really help!

@AntHenson 3 года назад

This is a perfect RU-vid series. Between yourself, Beato, and 12 Tone, you've transformed the way I think about music, thank you!

@mgs123fan 4 года назад

Recently I've been listening to We are the champions and I've noticed, for the first time, that modulation to the verse. I've immediately went to my piano to work out how it all works and was BLOWN AWAY by the sheer complexity of this song. It's just so amazing that music so complex was so easily digestable that it's still being played on most mainstream radios to this day! And besides that, it's really cool to see, that most of my assumptions about the harmonic structure were more or less correct, thanks to this video! 😁

@bugeyedmudafuka2 4 года назад

Always loved this tune and the chords. Never actually figured em out or looked em up strangely. But when you break it down like this, it really is a flawless sequence. Love these type of vids, analyzing chord sequences.

@johnulrich5572 4 года назад

With you, Adam Neely, and Rick Beato I feel like I'm getting master classes in music theory at my finger tips. Thanks.

@Josh_Fredman 4 года назад

I love how you're not just on one instrument all the time. The different colors you get from your guitar / synth choices in various videos to me is the second most educational element of your teaching style (after your incredibly clear descriptions of chords, modes, and other aspects of theory). And I love these occasional times when you end up on an acoustic guitar. This video has a very "November" feel to it: nice and cozy.

@aggelosmts3930 4 года назад

These chord progression analysis videos are absolutely perfect keep it up jake

@RC32Smiths01 4 года назад

My favorite Queen song! This really does give me a greater appreciation for it indeed. Always a pleasure to tune in

@Numbers21 4 года назад

As always, absolutely incredible breakdown/description of what's happening, both musically and emotionally in the song. Always a pleasure to watch.

@trDewy 4 года назад

Awesome video Jake, as usual! This has to be one of the best music channels on RU-vid; I've grown a lot as a musician thanks to your content!

@munix 4 года назад

This music is my mind for the last two weeks, since I tried to play it on the piano without any sheet. And that is the time we realize how music theory really helps the ear! Amazing explanation. I'm glad your explanation is validating a lot of things I interpreted when I played.

@Rebelionisduty 4 года назад

the Way you described the chorus chord progression from the emotions and experiences Was great

@douglaswaterson7107 4 года назад

This might be the best piece of music theory discussion I’ve seen on RU-vid, and I watched hundreds of them. You go through each section clearly and unfussily, with enough detail to make it interesting, but you don’t get bogged down. And who knew there was so much going on this song...well done.

@juansaavedra145 4 года назад

Great video as always, Jake! I grew up listening to Queen, they were my favorite band, so I never really paid any attention to how peculiar this song was from a music theory standpoint, it kinda just existed for me, so, after 15-20 years of that, to have it dissected like this and understanding all the subtleties of the harmony... it’s just amazing. Thank you for the video!!

@nathancornwell1455 5 месяцев назад

This is my favorite segment you do. Gives me a new found respect for a band/song I already love and insight into a range of music theory topics applied in context. Love it.

@matildastanford7019 4 года назад

Thanks Jake (& Patreons) for another Grreat Lesson, I have an even greater appreciation for Queens music after that (full on) analysis. Keep 'em coming 👍

@DonyaLane 3 года назад

Absolutely FANTASTIC analysis, Jake! You really nailed it. And your interpretation @7:19 of the "sad" chords reflecting the lyrics and sentiment - WOW, so astute! I think that can all be summed up as bittersweet, which, has always been the way this song makes me feel.

@kevindpdx 4 года назад

Well done Sir Jake. It struck me recently that the melody and rhythm for “no time for losers cause we are the champions” is very much like the childhood melodic taunt “nah nah nah nah nah” - which makes sense and adds underlying meaning to the lyric.

@fathuman 4 года назад

Queen just have the maddest chord progressions. I consider myself having a decent grasp of theory but most of their (early) songs just leave me scratching my head.

@jeffkeevil6403 4 года назад

Fantastic stuff, as always. I got excited when I saw another chord progression deep dive, loved the previous ones. Keep 'em coming!

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

Don't forget to read the description! There's a few things I mention there that might clear up some confusion :)

@StratMatt777 4 года назад

Woah! I was singing this song just yesterday! What made you decide to do this song right now? Thanks to you I will be able to play it on guitar!

@CyberDocUSA 4 года назад

I never miss any of the fine print! Your videos have helped me immensely! Thank you.

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

@@StratMatt777 I decided to to this song after the video I was GOING to make for you all ended up getting scrapped! I realized halfway through the project that other people had literally done the exact same video... And as far as getting it just right on guitar, it's tough to fit all of this together on that instrument but if you have a good vocalist around, the shapes I show should provide an adequate harmonic foundation for them.

@StratMatt777 4 года назад

@@SignalsMusicStudio Now I'm curious what you scrapped! ha! :) I am the vocalist and the guitarist... so there is a good vocalist around! :) Although if I sing that high note in Bohemian Rhapsody ("For meeeeeeeeeeeeeee") my voice gets a little gravelly for two days. So I don't do that anymore! Your videos are top-notch, man... like "Rick Beato" good. I like your graphics for showing the chord progressions and how you deliver and explain such a complex topic with ease. Keep up the great work!

@StepanTrnka 4 года назад

Jake, I find your videos so much helpful and joy on so many levels. Signals Music Studio is simply my channel no. 1. Thank you very much!

@angryfrenchduck 4 года назад

Every single one of your videos are truly amazing mate, you’re such a natural teacher! Thank you so much! 🍻🍻

@caseylockwood5512 4 года назад

I already had a massive appreciation for this song, but now I see it in a whole new light. Amazing stuff.

@rachidaziz2455 4 года назад

thank you for sharing your wisdom dude!!!!

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

thanks for watching!!!!

@sacker987 4 года назад

Nothing but consistent, high quality work comes out of this channel. I only subscribe to 3 channels and this tops the list. Just got the modal poster, keep up the great work!

@Baddisontium 4 года назад

Hey Jake! Thanks for making videos like these, analyzing and deconstructing great music. I show them to my guitar students often and I learn something new and fascinating every time.

@pnarey 4 года назад

Wow, I'm a theory guy to a fault, but I'm lost. Genuinely appreciate the ambition and his excitement approaching the song though.

@drummermomcjs 3 года назад

WOW, having loved this song from my youngest years, I never knew just how complex and yet how simultaneously simple this song is. You have opened up some new ideas for me. Thank you.

@benrechakiewicz3594 4 года назад

Wow what are brilliantly written song great analysis of it mate. Love you work.🤘🎸 Queen were on another level.

@darthbee18 4 года назад

Thank you for this analysis! The fact that We Are The Champions got so much airplay we all got so used to it and think that it's just a wee fun ditty when in fact... it's way more than just /that/. I think I have to rewatch your video several times more to completely digest all the points (it's just that mindblowing! 😵😵😵)

@slushpuppydevil 4 года назад

Love these videos, excited to see how this song works in a deeper sense!

@m3ng0789 3 года назад

As a musician and music educator, I can't describe how much i value your channel and your effort, thank you!

@MikeMesserstuff 4 года назад

Another fantastic video. What fun this rabbit hole is!!!! And what a great guide you are!

@jatinkm 3 года назад

This video really needs more appreciation. This is a surprisingly good analysis of the song

@adamhennessy007 3 года назад

I love your channel. You really explain clearly and can see your passion.You really stand out from the rest of the guitar channels. Thank you for what you do.

@travosk8668 4 года назад

Damn, I never knew the song was such a gold mine... Then again it's queen

@micmica1827 4 года назад

Well explained. The more you study music and the elder you get, the more you will appreciate such songs.

@thedeadonmusic1 4 года назад

Great analysis Jake! Thank you!

@robertcrites8745 4 года назад

Totally amazing! Thanks to the patrons.

@OktoberFilms 4 года назад

Mind blown. Both by Queen and you.

@albertomacanim4661 Год назад

This is why Freddie is so much ahead than the other rock musicians.

@stepanvelikan 4 года назад

Da best video series!! Bought your poster, great stuff!!! Thank you

@Rorre65 Год назад

Jake, you are one of my greatest musical inspirations, I gotta tell you man. I say that honestly! Your channel is super helpful!! Cheers bro 🎉

@garaughty 4 года назад

What awesome insights and analysis... really love what you're doing here !

@miladbasilisk178 4 года назад

WOOOOOOOOOOW duuuuuuuude this was the best chord progression analysis you've ever done and I've watched all of them. I love Queen's modulations and key changes they did it much differently than everyone else. Please do more queen analysis. And also if you are interested would you PLEASE do an analysis of Dirty by Korn? I loooooove the chords in that and I've never heard anything like it. PLEASE PLEEEEASE PLEASE, I'm sure there are a lot of interesting things happening there. Thanks for sharing the knowledge Rock On \m/

@Bradovski 4 года назад

Excellent, as always Jake

@OnyxSkiesXIX 3 года назад

Wow. That progression is insanely brilliant! I had no idea this song was this complicated. I have an even greater appreciation for just how damn good this song and this band are.

@timothyclay3668 4 года назад

Appreciate all your hard work in producing this analysis.. while it was generally more info than I could process, it was great to watch. It's a testament to your skill as a teacher... to keep me watching despite the content being a little above my comfort/ability level. Thanks for producing such great content.

@davehall8584 Год назад

This was a freaking BRILLIANT analysis!

@bosephusjr 4 года назад

Great analysis! Thanks for sharing

@SoleaGalilei 4 года назад

I really enjoy your videos, and I don't even play an instrument! It's just interesting to look into the inner workings of a song, and you explain it very well, with a good mix of theory and "feel". Thanks for your content.

@jrundrundhovde6911 2 года назад

Great content as always Jake. Really appreciate your style. Interesting and informative.

@ferramirez4570 4 года назад

Brother this was incredible! I really appreciate the time you take to share your knowledge!

@maxmustermann2417 4 года назад

I learned so incredibly much!! thank you!!

@simmme 3 года назад

This is an amazing video! So much depth and comprehensible at the same time!

@nanaandbump. 4 года назад

Wow awesome explanations and video! Thanks for sharing!

@Colaeroimages 3 года назад

This is gold! I am really learning from you. It's my favorite music theory learning channel on YT

@akbluegrass 3 года назад

This is spectacular! I'm using this song for my Theory 3 class this fall. Found your video while researching different interpretations of some of the more challenging harmony. Excellent work!

@jeancivitatem1507 4 года назад

Incredible work!

@johnskerlec9663 3 года назад

Nice analysis Sir. I like how you explain the movement between chords, and the way they relate to the melody. Melody is key, but the way we design the harmony to describe it gives it the kick.

@GlenGGonsalves 4 года назад

Awesome!!! You crushed it.

@danielvazquez2923 3 года назад

I very much like this series of chord progressions man!! It's insightful and has helped me loads. Keep up the great work

@Nicolas-et8hf 4 года назад

Fantastic series and awesome teacher!

@sebastianhernandez8384 4 года назад

You are amazing! I love your videos, please never stop doing them

@rickf6375 4 года назад

Awesome analysis!

@lorenzob249 3 года назад

Great stuff! Thanks a lot for the analysis

@emmanuelbonilla4375 Год назад

So awesome! Would love more content like this.

@B_Rowen 4 года назад

Very informative, you have a really good delivery for teaching these things. Much appreciated!

@jeffa6780 4 года назад

Your analogy descriptions are wonderful and help me totally understand music. I'm having major epiphanies listening to your music explanations. I'm hooked on your music teaching. I wish I had you as a teacher in my youth. But, better late than never! Thank you very much.

@janekalbinsky 4 года назад

I think you're absolutely right about not including every note you hear into a chord. Also, the segment at the end where you talk about what you learned from analyzing the song was really nice. Thank you for this, it makes the video much more personal!

@SignalsMusicStudio 4 года назад

Its fun and helpful to do as exercise, but it's not always practical :P

@MrLordofrock 4 года назад

Dude! I have been loving your videos. Now I'm finding all these new ones I havent seen! Thanks for everything you do! It's so fun, entertaining, informative. Keep on releasing such great content. :)

@MattSyversonthePaperbackRocker 4 года назад

FANTASTIC WORK.

@anymusic24 4 года назад

wow just wow that has just blown my mind... as always your vids are the tops. keep up the great work.

@lonniezamarripa959 4 года назад

Thanks so much. I really enjoyed this video. I have a vague understanding of the theory behind the chord progression and I am sure that after rewatching it multiple times I will eventually get it. There is much to absorb.