Songs that use the Minor 4 chord

Release your music today with Tunecore: www.tunecore.co.uk/?ref=uk_di... 🎶
📌 2:41 TYPO! the F#m chord should be labelled as “ii”, not “vi” 😅 thanks to the commenter who pointed it out!
The minor version of the 4 chord in the major key really can stir up some emotions. It's almost like a classic songwriting trick to pull at those heartstrings... resolve via the minor 4!
And, an extra special thanks goes to Douglas Lind, Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON: / davidbennettpiano 🎹
0:00 Introduction
1:09 Bohemian Rhapsody
1:35 Minor plagal cadence
3:00 IV - iv - I
4:40 Modal Interchange
5:38 IV - iv - vi
6:18 Mixolydian b6
6:58 Why does it sound so good?
8:53 TUNECORE
9:56 Piano outro

[@DavidBennettPiano]

📌 2:41 TYPO! the F#m chord should be labelled as “ii”, not “vi” 😅 Release your music today with Tunecore: www.tunecore.co.uk/?ref=uk_divkid_2023 🎶

[@huntermushero9362]

I’m proud of myself for noticing that and running to the comments section to see if anyone else had.

[@PeterWellsKittyCat]

I'm the co-founder of TuneCore, though I've not been with the company since 2012. It's impossible not to smile seeing you talk about it. Even my avatar pic there was taken in our original Brooklyn headquarters way back. The window behind me overlooks the East River. :) Thanks, David.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@PeterWellsKittyCat I’m more than happy to promote Tunecore 😊

[@kadourimdou43]

What about v Minor.

[@YouGotitbaby]

You know this is an unforgivable offense

[@veezhang6988]

Probably just me, but I always feel that ivm-I is like the second most natural resolution at the end just after V-I.

[@justingilbert4026]

The 4m is actually the negative harmony mirror to a 5 chord, so yes you’re right. 4m is theoretically the only chord with equivalent tension and resolution to the 1 as a 5

[@sottx8268]

Yeah, and if you go IV, IVm, I then you can’t miss. Like A, Am, E….

[@jamesdube2240]

@@justingilbert4026 I was going to comment this exactly, you explained it well, thank you

[@GiveZeeAChance]

I would argue that iv-I is ever so slightly stronger a resolution than V-I, but V7-I is stronger than iv-I

[@TheDeadOfNight37]

I'd say V-i is tied with iv-I, v-i is as effective as IV-I and iv-i, then IV-i and v-I are the least effective

[@pup64hcp]

The minor iv always tugs at my heartstrings. Thanks for showing off some songs that use it!

[@kingskid1985]

The minor iv chord is beautiful enough...but make it into a minor *6* chord?? It'll bring legit tears to your eyes 😭😭😭😭

[@ellingtonthegod]

Studies shows that it is a sound that pulls forward nostalgia. Beautiful

[@tfwnoyandere]

anyone know any good uses of other degrees turned minor? like the solo in i dont feel like dancin by scissor sisters?

[@dmajestic80]

Jeff Lynne loves the minor IV chord. The clever use in ‘Livin Thing’ where the Fm follows the Ab is just genius. Other ELO songs that use the minor IV: Turn to Stone Tightrope Mission Shangri La Midnight Blue Confusion Twilight State of Mind When I was a boy Moment in Paradise The Fall Xanadu Don’t Walk Away All over the world Waterfall Strange Magic One summer dream

[@thespiciestboi1989]

From one elo fan to another, thank you for this :)

[@godfree2canada]

yes epic

[@antonioeasypiano]

You are right!!! I did a piano cover of "Living Thing" and I got surprised by the melancholy brought by the chord Fm!!!

[@omnipop4936]

Yup, Lynne is definitely one of the kings of it. He's such a fan of the Beatles and Roy Orbison, it's no surprise that he ended up weaving that deliciously sad minor-4 "feeling" into his own stuff. (And I'm grateful he did.)

[@althealligator1467]

You can't just forget Mr. Blue Sky, the outro, like... what? By far his most famous song

[@hellomynameisjoenl]

Life on Mars? by David Bowie is absolutely FULL of min. plagal cadences, and used them really well, too.

[@wangiwang]

That was what came to my mind also

[@royalex21]

The chorus of “Beetlebum” by Blur uses the iv chord. Also, the chorus of “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars concludes with IV-iv-I

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Good examples 😊

[@CoingamerFL]

Blackbird by The Beatles uses it everywhere, it's gorgeous

[@nathax8174]

Omggg I was just thinking that and then saw the comment hahah

[@gregsullivan7408]

What does 'IV-iv" mean, exactly?

[@tonycowin]

@@gregsullivan7408 Capital is major, lowercase is minor. So IV-iv is major 4th to minor 4th.

[@acpe]

You're by far the best music teacher on youtube, and I absolutely love some others, but your content has no contender, BIG thanks for everything!

[@Curiomerc]

there's a bunch of really amazing channels for this. you'd probably enjoy 8 bit music theory, even if you're not into games. that being said ranking them would be impossible, useful for different reasons.

[@maillardsbearcat]

Also Charles Cornell

[@Curiomerc]

@@maillardsbearcat there's simply too many to name

[@videntedevidrio]

In spanish lenguage you have jaime altozano. But if you don't speak it, you are not going to understand his philosophy. It's not only music theory, but something related to emotions and patterns too.

[@videntedevidrio]

Acabo de ver que te llamás juan jajsjs flaco miralo a jaime por favor que ese sí es insuperable

[@georgewhite1972]

Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon uses the chords "G to Cmin" back and forth in the chorus. It sounds so epic and dramatic!

[@althealligator1467]

And the iv-vi resolution David was talking about happens as the chorus goes back into the verse.

[@joejohnson4423]

Also that echoing the Bunny man, Faith Against Your Will

[@StratsRUs]

It's a beautiful fruitful song.Verses in relative minor too.Using the vi to IV. Magicked to I and iv for the chorus. Will's dreamy guitar intro was a mic'ed up body of an unplugged semi-acoustic !

[@104ist]

and arctic monkeys - she’s thunderstorms

[@OurgasmComrade]

The example of In My Life has a beautiful example of an appoggiatura as well! Playing the B note over the D major chord on the strongest accent, then resolving it through the next notes before it goes over the Dm chord as an A note

[@tonycowin]

This a great example of playing theory that's not talked about much. Knowing what notes to play loudest or even earliest is a skill that requires thought and practice.

[@danmayberry1185]

A lifelong ear-player, this channel has penetrated my phobic skull with well-demonstrated theory. Each episode so well constructed and presented.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

😊😊😊

[@cluebcke]

I'm not remotely well-educated in music theory but what I've learned (including a lot on this channel) is so satisfying, because it shares a way of talking about a common experience that is otherwise difficult to put into words and talk about with other people. It's almost like etymology, the "ah ha! *That's* why it's the way it is!" moments

[@landofbol1098]

@@cluebcke That's a great way to put it. We can't truly ever describe in 100% accuracy and understanding why music works the way it does, but I couldn't cope without music theory existing because it provides enough of an explanation that I can feel more complete and that it's within my grasp.

[@atrus3823]

It sounds really good as a companion to the doo-wop progression. For example, in the outro to Happiness is a Warm Gun, they vamp on the doo-wop progression for a few bars, and then it hits that iv. Another cool example is in Sleep Walk by Santo & Johnny where the IV has been completely replaced by the iv.

[@dr.corneliusq.cadbury6984]

The Skyliners - Since I don’t have you. That’s a similar example.

[@avedic]

Let's all spare a moment to give David a big Thank You.....for releasing videos SO consistently! Seriously. Not every channel does that. Most don't. I can always rely on DBP to put out a new video once every 3 days or so. It always coincides with my days off work. Thanks!

[@wtfdefaulthuman]

I learn more and more music theory when I watch your videos. You're amazing!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@chrishelbling3879]

An equally lovely sister chord to iv is iv6, which sounds as an inverted ii7b5. Found in older, Tin Pan Alley era songs. Some call it the "White Christmas" chord: it sets up the ending on the lyric "bright," and hints that the singer's holiday is anything but.

[@dylanc2796]

I love these kinds of videos

[@robster7316]

Wonderful segment! Thank you, David!

[@altamir403]

I was waiting so long for this video, amazing as always

[@ccrv2]

some of my favorites that do this: The Beatles - Nowhere Man Guided By Voices - When She Turns 50 Built To Spill - Twin Falls The Zombies - How We Were Before Jagger Finn - Vas Kleenex Girl Wonder - What Does She Know Elliott Smith - Pretty Mary K (New Moon) Teenage Fanclub - Don't Look Back Alex G - Break Guided By Voices - Peephole The Hit Parade - My Favourite Girl The Beatles - She Loves You

[@HaskeTCE]

1:30 He really went "😭" on A flat minor 😭👍

[@composer7325]

beautiful video and very practical, thank you ,David.

[@niloo_atribecalledlove]

This is the first time I’ve truly understood the chords you talk about because of the th thorough explanation. Thank you.

[@petehealy9819]

Beautifully explained, David - not only the technical aspects, but the reasons for the emotive impact. I marvel every time at the depth and beauty of your insights, and the masterful way you share them. Keep it going!

[@johnyax275]

I was waiting for Follow You Into the Dark and it was your last example. Love it!

[@tonycameron5596]

I have watched many of David's music theory videos, and the way in which you explain the technical details underpinned by popular music examples makes it so much more comprehensible. Really appreciate your work, man.

[@richardgagliano1618]

Always insightful and instructive, thank you!

[@ehurckes]

Superb video, David!

[@danstokesmusic]

Great video David! Keep up the good work :)

[@chehefa]

Thank you for making this all very digestible and easy to understand! You explain it in a way that doesn’t feel contrived, and instead is extremely helpful. I’ve been playing my whole life but all by-ear, and know nothing about music theory.

[@christopherfryda]

I seriously love this channel!!!

[@NomeDeArte]

The first song I noticed with the minor 4th was Don't look back in anger.

[@boshracing]

Politik by Coldplay is another good example - C to Fm.

[@judih.8754]

Great video David! I love when you display the piano keyboard at the bottom of the screen.

[@fredparadisogroup]

fantastic as always. thank you !

[@micaiahkuhl6973]

This is great! I love using your chord progression vids to understand how song writers think, but usually the level of harmony involved gets way over my head. This is a perfect balance! Emotional songwriting tools and theory education, PLEASE do more videos on single chords like this!!!

[@sergeyrafirudov]

a new David Bennett video is like a personal gift to me. and such a beautiful chord too. thank you David

[@john.john.johnny]

I LOVE your videos. You help me so much.. I know it's easy for you but I love the way you explain it. Thank you!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks! 😊

[@i.setyawan]

This video reminds me of the time when I was still actively learning the piano. I took classical piano lessons, and to combat boredom, I tried to teach myself how to play popular songs. My 'discovery' of IV-iv-I progression was and is still something I treasure. It was such a revelation for little me.

[@juliam7056]

Wonderful videos , really well done. Bravo !!

[@elrafa782]

So interesting, thanks 🙏

[@karimmakash6373]

I was here for “Don’t Look Back In Anger” ‘cause it’s the most recognizable song with this kind of chords 😍

[@ManuelaGaribotti]

Great video as always! One of my favorite uses of the iv minor chord is in 'Cover' by Day6, the intro sounds like a nod to 'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers but they switch the IV chord for iv and it just *hits*

[@andreisosnin1950]

Thank you , David. this video was interesting to watch, the music you play in the end of this videos is amazing,. 👍

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@nordynord1000]

Love your instructions!💥💯

[@nedim_guitar]

This is excellent! It's actually fairly simple and very useable. Great video, as usual.

[@alexshi-ban6825]

Thanks for this video!

[@Chenco29]

Thank you again for a great lesson! Please please please keep it up!!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks! Will do!

[@AR-qn9mq]

I love this channel because it makes me love music even more

[@SamBrockmann]

Beautiful!

[@CrazyCow500]

Bro, you're solely responsible for stepping up my chord progression game. Thank you.

[@drogba4evah672]

One of my all time favorite changes in music. I love how clearly Bennet explains how and why it works. Best music teacher ever.

[@josea.valentin3007]

How much I would've enjoyed having David as a music theory professor when I studied at the university! Not that my professors weren't great but David's popular music examples and explanation makes it all more clear and practical.

[@HRajICE2000]

Well articulated session. Thanks 🙏

[@carlospocaterra]

I love it how in your videos you explain the change by using the normal chords and showing them, like in The Beatles song "in my life" you play the D instead of the Dmin (you show both) so we can hear the difference. In all the videos I've seen, all those examples are so useful, they make it easier to understand. Thank you.

[@catsofsherman1316]

That's my favorite change. Blur used it on the chorus of Beetlebum from F to fm to C

[@DavidBennettPiano]

I love that song!

[@notapplicableproductions6504]

I can’t believe you didn’t bring up Radiohead’s No Surprises!

[@joeobyrne9348]

I feel compelled to write that the outro was incredible!! Gifted composer as well as teacher!

[@GuitarFood67]

Thanks David, for your content! By far the most down-to-earth lessons out there. That said, Ive been playing well over 40 years and didn't know how much I didn't know. 🙃

[@user-ni1ns7hr5s]

Many things to learn from this video. And that great Piano outro..!

[@TheCitizenmax]

really good lesson, very understandable and educational. Great theory explanation coupled with practical application.

[@DJ2109]

man i was just exploring this progression today…. what timing… thanks david

[@stevelipke7277]

Brilliant video....!!!

[@robertYTB78g]

Moved to write - what a lovely ending piece of music you put together...

[@kevinlynchcomposer]

Excellent tutorial, thank you, David.

[@natewebb8106]

Loved the outro, very nice 👍

[@toneDeFguitar]

I love this channel so much

[@RanLevi]

Beautiful piece of music at the end!

[@christophespoto]

Very cool!

[@emre-erdogan]

Great explanation of why it sounds so good 👌

[@peggypegg8204]

I had over 12 years of classical piano training but have gotten much more out of Utube videos! Thank you!

[@jasonlamar6347]

Great video. That parallel you pointed out with a sus4 resolution helped it click for me as someone who has mostly played guitar without formal training.

[@michaelblair2536]

David, your videos are the best and we share a lot of the same favorites, I hope you reach 1 mill soon you deserve it

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you! 😊

[@koho]

Great video! I love the moody ode as all your Patreons scroll by ...

[@felixtkm]

the song i know by fiona apple mainly uses the I-iv chord progression, but the nuances throughout the song make it saound so beautiful and for the chorus, fiona uses the I-IV progression to resemble hope in

[@jimmyngo4074]

I've been using the minor 4 chord to write songs and it's really cool. I love it! ❤😊

[@christophergetchell6490]

I'm glad I saw this today, a Mixolydian b6 movement in one of my songs was just what I was reaching for and couldn't quite think of it!!!

[@OzSteve9801]

Rick Wakeman (if you're old enough to remember him, lol) loves using the minor plagal cadence, particularly in King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

[@leonardohonorato3652]

I was just listening to tiptoe through the tulips and recognize this bittersweet chord! I love this resolution so much

[@stevenfitzsimmons3840]

Good explanation and examples. 👍🏻

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you 😀

[@bhall9129]

That ending had my heart start to sing. Beautiful.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

😊😊

[@arpeggi4596]

could you do more videos of special chords like this? the iv chord is one of my favorites chords and i wanna see more

[@Wendolynn_Jane]

Thank you. 😎

[@liamjackson6572]

Love the content. Very helpful to learn these musical tools with practical examples. My personal favourite uses of the minor 4 are in Skeleton Appreciation Day, Love Me Normally and Marsha Thankk You For the Dialectics But I Need You to Leave all by Will Wood. Keep up the great work!

[@amvaporean4522]

i like to think of the minor plagal cadence as a bittersweet memory of so many years ago, one of childhood carelessness, one that you can't go back to. *and i am on the point of tears every time i hear it.*

[@42Rdekker]

Awesome buddy👍

[@Petespans]

you are great!

[@davidbaise5137]

.”The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” has a great example by JL and the fabs.

[@matcoffidis1135]

I love the minor 4 chord. The Beatles used it a lot, but I hear it in lots of music. It has this wistfully, yearning, heartfelt quality that always gets to me....❤️ Love the instrumentals at the end. Very dramatic and evocative....👏

[@keithmatry8939]

Extremely useful 😎💯

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Glad you think so!😊

[@frankzelazko]

cheers David, you are my favourite music teacher

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you!

[@DonVal86]

Always called it the sentimental chord. As a young drummer I could always recognize it even before I started learning chords. 😄

[@SamBrockmann]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I learn something new. A little tidbit.

[@theselector4733]

BRILLIANT VIDEO!!!!!

[@ChachipiruliOficial]

i looove this chord. i literally use it in all of my songs

[@emilygclarinet]

Some years ago I began hearing something special about the chord progressions in certain Romantic-era classical pieces, and I couldn't quite figure out what that special sound was. I learned years later that it was minor 4 chords -- something we didn't really study in music theory at school. Great video. :)

[@drtmuir]

Brahms for sure. There's a stunning minor subdominant in the Requiem.

[@Jtmcad14]

I love the minor 4 so much and I'm so glad you did a video on it!! My favorite example is "Take It Easy on Me" by Little River Band which uses it many times throughout the song.

[@maupieman]

3:16 this immediately reminds me of the final chords of When I was your man

[@TyTheRegularMan]

I swear to god that before getting to "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" the song got stuck in my head and I thought it was just a coincidence.

[@antonioeasypiano]

One example of use of chord Fm we cand find in "la Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf, wonderful song. And "Living Thing" by ELO, which I have made a piano cover.

[@dzinypinydoroviny]

This chord is what got me into exploring music theory. I've been in love with it since I was 11.

[@Lovehandels]

This cord is beautiful!