Exploring the Mythical Chords of God Only Knows

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Күн бұрын

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

Пікірлер: 274

@michaelyount3176 8 ай бұрын

I always figured that Brian came up with the title to the song when someone asked him "What key is it in?"

@Kekuahiwi 2 ай бұрын

hahahaha

@redbannerradio Жыл бұрын

Love seeing someone absolutely geek out over Brain Wilson. He truly is the king

@DovidM 10 ай бұрын

There’s an edit button in YT.

@EdwinHeida 10 ай бұрын

Not every brain is bothered by spelling mistakes @@DovidM

@steveperryman8102 9 ай бұрын

..... and has a great brain😂

@KirillFrolov77 22 күн бұрын

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.

@Nightowl427272 10 ай бұрын

Wilson’s God Only Knows is the crowning achievement of modern pop composition.

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@harrisbeatsfrankou6304 8 ай бұрын

Yesterday is up there.

@Nightowl427272 8 ай бұрын

@@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…

@ConceptJunkie 8 ай бұрын

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.)

@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc 10 ай бұрын

The coldest studio

@Tatterdash71 5 ай бұрын

Keeps the theory fresh.

@lashtal 5 ай бұрын

if he turned on the heater, all we'd hear is: ZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZHUUZUUHZHUU...

@buzz71544 8 күн бұрын

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.

@emanuellandeholm5657 2 ай бұрын

Love it Edit: The subtle Bmi7 that effortlessly brings us back from being up a fourth is crazy. What is this sorcery!

@aspensulphate 10 ай бұрын

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.

@markthorson6656 10 ай бұрын

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.

@Gottenhimfella 10 ай бұрын

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)

@dynamicrange5374 10 ай бұрын

It's in "She's Leaving Home" in a similar way like 5 or 6 times

@metaphoria3 2 ай бұрын

I love how it never truly resolves almost to signify that nothing ever really ends

@joshuamarks1129 10 ай бұрын

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.

@noelwilliams8835 Ай бұрын

This is a brilliant take

@ryn5671 Жыл бұрын

When he wrote it, it was so good, it only needed MINOR changes :) ... I'll go now

@plantagenant Ай бұрын

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.

@gratefulpipeandcigar3239 10 ай бұрын

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.

@SkeeterMcBeater 4 ай бұрын

The song's ambiguity is what's most beautiful about it. Impressionism & dream-like art can really take you away.

@JohnnyHads 2 ай бұрын

If only there wasn’t a Mike, and Brian delivered Smile

@richarddeese1087 9 ай бұрын

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.

@danmillward7358 10 ай бұрын

Are you cold lad?

@drewfonzo 10 ай бұрын

The way you described the sneaky, beautiful chord changes as 'insidious' perfectly describes how this song has always felt to me. Very well said!

@errorsofmodernism9715 9 ай бұрын

I've always loved the transitions on this song and the tension they create. It gets you off balance.

@Lostinthesauce0 10 ай бұрын

ISS is one of the best tributes to Beach Boys ever. Love your love for Brian. Xx

@bammbamm12 2 ай бұрын

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 :)

@rickrykart5037 Ай бұрын

Greatest illustration video ever...

@rockonthestone4907 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Tim, love them chords, that min7b5 chord is the shit

@exitthelemming145 10 ай бұрын

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

@user-ks3ol3lw3b 10 ай бұрын

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.

@dynamicrange5374 10 ай бұрын

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!

@spencermisfeldt1866 6 ай бұрын

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.

@reggae-rock-roots Ай бұрын

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.

@q-tuber7034 10 ай бұрын

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.

@atroyz 10 ай бұрын

My goodness. It’s the verse, but transposed! Not sure how I missed that chord progression. Hiding in plain sight. Pretty brilliant.

@bobshepherd2966 9 ай бұрын

The bridge of "What's New" does the same kind of re-use of the A section (in the subdominant key) as a bridge.

@nickcarter4006 10 ай бұрын

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.

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@DistantLights Ай бұрын

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)

@robertquinn9490 10 ай бұрын

Awesome analysis, and a tons of fun!

@dirtibertfirst Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this wonderful analysis. 🙂

@jamesliddle6107 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing.

@pmartinsoliveira 7 ай бұрын

What a masterclass!!! Thank you!

@joshuamarks1129 10 ай бұрын

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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

@michaelhoffman176 10 ай бұрын

Stunning song. Good job dissecting.

@LiveONEWorldImage 6 ай бұрын

Tim. Great.

@ferrisblack70 Жыл бұрын

That was brilliant and beautiful. Thanks, brother!

@hammondjones9484 9 ай бұрын

Awesome channel love it

@TarasLogvin 10 ай бұрын

Boy am I glad to bump into this video!

@wgb01001 9 ай бұрын

Really nice video.

@danswansonguitar 9 ай бұрын

This is a wonderfully geeky (and very accurate) analysis- bravo!

@StratsRUs 10 ай бұрын

Fantastic.Thank you. Your analysis makes total sense which proves how great your explanation is.

@Davo198 6 ай бұрын

What an awesome video. Thank you so much for this. Killer job. Learnt so much. What a beautiful falsetto you have as well

@BirdsOfGlass 10 ай бұрын

Tim!! Great breakdown man. You really are up there with Brian Wilson as far as your composing, harmonies, writing & all around musicianship.

@danalotzgesell538 8 ай бұрын

My God you have a beautiful voice! Dana

@peter2533 10 ай бұрын

Wonderful presentation/analysis of a gorgeous, sublime piece of music. Thank you!

@gregcholkan Жыл бұрын

This is great stuff...love this song. This kind of chord analysis brings me back to my jazz guitar lessons

@davidc1664 Жыл бұрын

Tremendous analysis

@metaphoria3 2 ай бұрын

Really talented thanks for the great breakdown music 🎶

@nickcarter4006 10 ай бұрын

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!

@iescalante 10 ай бұрын

Súper interesting análisis. Thanks for Sharing

@diegofaundez9239 Ай бұрын

very interesting channel you have haha keep uploading videos!!

@themelaman 2 ай бұрын

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.

@h.markhorton8188 10 ай бұрын

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.

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@STMRecords1 10 ай бұрын

Absolutely superb walkthrough! thanks so much!

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@Chesterton7 10 ай бұрын

Brilliant and fun breakdown. Thanks Tim.

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@raeleenikole Ай бұрын

This is awesome!! Thank you for your time and effort.

@pmartininvest 10 ай бұрын

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.

@metaphoria3 2 ай бұрын

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

@chadbennett7873 10 ай бұрын

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.

@lastritt 9 ай бұрын

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.

@mrs.featherbottom5901 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this. :)

@johnvrabec9747 10 ай бұрын

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!

@sirvicemanone 10 ай бұрын

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!

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@chupacabra3331 9 ай бұрын

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.

@sparkyvacdr 10 ай бұрын

Yes. This song and the soulness is on the extreme outlying extension of music vibe spectrum’s utter pleasure. You know.

@_ProTrax 10 ай бұрын

Most beautiful song ever made

@exxekhan 3 күн бұрын

Masterful analysis. Thank you!

@TimSmolens Күн бұрын

Thank you so much. Please subscribe and check out my playlists page to find many similar videos!

@JimFothergill 10 ай бұрын

This was well done!!! Thank you!!!

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@bradosborne1706 2 ай бұрын

Great vid. But the vocal arrangement in the outro, not discussed here, is stunning perfection.

@TimSmolens 2 ай бұрын

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

@bradosborne1706 2 ай бұрын

@@TimSmolens Thank you!

@ballisstrife 9 ай бұрын

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!

@michaelpaul9236 9 ай бұрын

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.

@metaphoria3 2 ай бұрын

It is interesting the relationship between the notes

@elricosuave Жыл бұрын

Great content.

@nelsonjoaquim5918 10 ай бұрын

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?

@Extrikit 10 ай бұрын

Great analysis..thank you

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@metaphoria3 2 ай бұрын

That barber shop tag is based on the ascending half step blues scale turn around

@lumberpilot 10 ай бұрын

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.

@MonkeyBars1 Жыл бұрын

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

@TimSmolens Жыл бұрын

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!

@MonkeyBars1 Жыл бұрын

You got it Tim, and as you mentioned it doesn't really change the overall analysis. thanks for this video!

@popgunandy 10 ай бұрын

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.

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@JavierMilei2023 24 күн бұрын

Excellent...

@vinayakofficial5882 9 ай бұрын

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!

@bigsby1 10 ай бұрын

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.

@gettingkilt 10 ай бұрын

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!

@Gottenhimfella 10 ай бұрын

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.

@digiswitch 6 ай бұрын

i am sure brian didn't know the song like you do... thanks!

@Tyrell_Corp2019 9 ай бұрын

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.”

@steelcantuna 10 ай бұрын

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.

@abnercordero7093 19 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@TimSmolens 4 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for supporting my channel! Come join me at High Castle Conservatory.

@agorgedslug 10 ай бұрын

One minute in and I can't help thinking you're filming this in a meat locker. What's the story?

@scottmoyer1357 7 ай бұрын

The chords are not mystical. They are intelligently created from the mind of a sensitive man who also played bass guitar and piano leading him to compose this song with the bass as its leading tones. Along with some very well written lyrics, Brian was able to make that magical songwriting connection. His use of diminished chords, chromaticism , ascending and descending bass lines with chords attached, and the use of the 5th & 3rds on the bass on several chords. His melody is beautiful inspired by the words. He is chromatically descending into the A chord on the chorus...setting it up with the ascending and descending chromatic bass notes and attaching the appropriate sounding chords to those bass notes. It's the interlude that is so very brilliant taking us on a brief musical excursion through a series of creative chord movements that have been blended together to lead us to another key [D] for the chorus briefly and back to D/A.

@nathansalmon8192 Жыл бұрын

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.

@jackmartinleith 10 ай бұрын

"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.

@nathansalmon8192 10 ай бұрын

@@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.

@kcmet79 10 ай бұрын

I think of half dim chords the same way 👍

@salparadise8581 10 ай бұрын

brilliant

@Jenton 7 ай бұрын

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?

@Foxymus Ай бұрын

Could you say Bohemian Rhapsody is similar being pop (pop rock I suppose) with Baroque elements which changes key many times? It also changes style and time signatures too. Also, you gotta try this out: I saw one play an A(add9) which sounds heavenly after that lovely Bb7(b5) voiced as: A A C# B E If you're a guitarist, play that A(add9) in the intro(x07600). It's just sublime!

@anglodutch8321 9 ай бұрын

Must be cold in that place. Good analysis ! Thanks.

@TimSmolens 9 ай бұрын

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!

@johnmcnichol8330 10 ай бұрын

Well done...

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and giving some feedback! 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. kzfaq.info You may enjoy my new video exploring Brian Wilson's most complex background vocal (Heroes and Villains) here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5addbZmnqi5j40.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJekZ8Rky5qqg6c.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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f99jf7WWnZ7NlZs.htmlsi=n4QfIb5uvt0tqz2a

@DrumDisciple 9 ай бұрын

I'm probably not the first to mention Steely Dan, but I know at least one track that has no strict tonal center: 'Aja' The title track!

@LarsenTV1 10 ай бұрын

I'd love Brian to see this.

@majorpayne8373 10 ай бұрын

When will he begin talking about the chord progression? God Only Knows...

@TimSmolens 10 ай бұрын

Sometimes things need context.... fast forwarding is an option too.

@flippaul 10 ай бұрын

I respectfully disagree that this song is in the key of E. It sounds like the Key of A with the occasional D# just being a color change or mode mixing. The way one might make the 2 chord a dominant. It just mixes in a color to add a temporary movement to the 5 chord, it’s not a key change. If one hears this song as being in the key of A, then the middle section transition chords make sense as parallel minor sounds and the key change in the middle is to the 4 chord. (which is very typical in pop songs).