Hans Zimmer Chord Progressions

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In this video I go through various chord progressions which are used by Hans Zimmer in some of his famous pieces, from films including The Dark Knight, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:11 - 'Time' from Inception
02:16 - 'He's a Pirate' from Pirates of the Caribbean
04:22 - 'Chevaliers De Sangreal' from The Da Vinci Code
05:57 - 'A Dark Knight' from The Dark Knight
07:46 - 'King of Pride Rock' from The Lion King
10:07 - Main Theme from Planet Earth II
12:22 - Outro
See below for links to each piece:
'Time' (From Inception)
• Hans Zimmer - Time (Of...
'He's A Pirate (From Pirates of the Caribbean)
• Pirates of the Caribbe...
'Chevaliers de Sangreal' (From The Da Vinci Code)
• Hans Zimmer - Chevalie...
'A Dark Knight' (From The Dark Knight)
• Hans Zimmer - The Dark...
'King of Pride Rock' (From The Lion King)
• The Lion King Soundtra...
Theme from Planet Earth II
• Hans Zimmer - Planet ...
Using Roman Numerals in Music:
• Using ROMAN NUMERALS i...
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Composing Academy is the place to learn how to begin composing your own music. Here you will find easy to follow videos explaining core Music Theory concepts along with various tips and tricks to help you craft that perfect song of cinematic piece of music.

[@Kyle-ur4mr]

One of my favorite Hans Zimmer moments in music is in Lion King when Simba comes upon his trampled father… the music changes from a religious chorale in the major to a more secular spiritual in the minor when he realizes his dad is dead. Very similar to the Tannhäuser overture … chills 🥶🥶🥶

[@composingacademy8270]

I saw a video where Hans talks about his own experience of his father dying when he was 6 and how he ended up writing almost a requiem for his Father with this music. Its very powerful!

[@Noone.9263]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@rickthomas6348]

Mr. Zimmer makes it look so easy, which is exactly why he is a mastermind

[@micahwilliams1826]

Please Please please! make this into a regular series where you feature different artists and songs and break them down like this one. I cant express how much this helps me. And i haven't seen anyone on KZbin that has done as good as you.

[@Sometimeslifeiscrazy]

King of pride rock is my favorite melody ever written. So simple yet perfect.

[@ThevenimX]

Just realized the Minecraft Sweden’s melody could be used on top of Time from Inception and it work perfectly

[@xziggy_stardustx6786]

First example ("Time" from Inception) in terms of root movement consists of Plagal cadences and minor 3rds. Time never ceases, it just rolls on so we're denied a perfect cadence which would create a "fuller" sense of resolution. All of it is in keeping with the overall theme -- very clever. Am - Plagal -> Em - minor 3rd -> G - Plagal -> D - Plagal -> Am - minor 3rd -> Cmaj7 - Plagal -> G - Plagal -> D Every cadence is Plagal except for the Em -> G and the Am -> Cmaj7. It's a Plagal loop with the minor 3rds allowing the piece to revolve in a sort of loop while also adding variety and interest as you point out. If someone were looking for an interesting alternative for a composition of their own, they could play this progression in reverse, in which case one would arrive at a progression made up entirely of perfect 5ths and major 6ths (speaking in terms of root movement). The effect would be entirely different (though in reverse it may work better to make some chords dominant 7ths such as the Am at the end and the Cmaj7 in the middle).

[@MusicalRocky]

I was so glad you included Planet Earth II but wished Prince of Egypt were here! Also imo The Lion King, despite being Oscar-winning, is probably Zimmer’s most underrated work, maybe his best.

[@frankdonovan7212]

I really like hanz zimmers compositions they all are outstanding to me. I thought to myself finally a harmonic chordal understanding behind the genius melodies hanz produces. I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@yvanroustan4426]

these videos about film musics are really great ! thank you very much !

[@composingacademy8270]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@sarimakbar3058]

As a beginning film composer your channel is an absolute gem, thanks for the insightful content Simon!

[@RobertOrgRobert]

I can imagine a bell like sound for each of the Inception chords ! Great video.

[@kritin6180]

Thank you so much for your videos! They have helped me so much and I also really enjoy listening to your compositions. One of these days, you should have a video where you show us some of your compositions! Thank you!

[@maestrospolzino]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended your channel to me! Excellent video lad! 😃😃😃

[@raulbondarev1160]

Wow, it was amazing.I remember I once studied the music of Hans, but stopped. I really enjoyed watching this one, cause it helps me to understand how one the current music genius composes. You did a good job, Simon. Thank you)

[@composingacademy8270]

Thanks Raul! I hope you're keeping well. This video was partly inspired by our conversation and you mentioning it would be good to go through some examples of existing music 😀

[@TheMelancholicCeltMusic4118]

I have recently found your channel and found it very helpful to hone in my own compositions. Thanks much!

[@thereminder625]

'Time' is absolutely greatest masterpiece ever made

[@iixmusic]

Of course 😍

[@composingacademy8270]

I think its definitely up there as one of Hans' best pieces!

[@thinkofyesterday]

I agree

[@ep9415]

cap🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢 interstellar music is

[@devmmmdoesstuff6429]

@@ep9415 YES!

[@Mat_Sedano]

I freaking looved your video structure... no fancy intro... no music at the beginning, no garbage at the start, straight to the point... you don't see that very often! Maybe the pace of the introo could be a little faster though, but still, refreshing.

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you! I've been experimenting with the format, especially during the intros, so thank you for commenting!

[@Joker5665jn]

That Am to Cmaj7 in Time will never not wreck me. So even before watching this I knew it was a thing that he is known for writing a lot in D Minor. Is there a reason for this? Do different keys provide greatly different emotional colors?

[@composingacademy8270]

I've read that one reason is he loves the sound of a low 'D' in the basses (achieved with a C-extension)...and yes different keys do provide different emotional colours, but I think everyone would experience these emotions each in an individual way. For example, I feel D minor is a very 'moody' and dark sounding key, more so than say A minor. Someone else might have a different interpretation of the difference though

[@cesar_m.p.]

@@composingacademy8270 I always thought of chords as having each its own personality..... I thought I was crazy.. I'm so happy I'm not alone!! 😁

[@vhego]

I love maj7 chords they have a specific mood which is very cinematic imho

[@Sammy71ful]

I've heard him say (and this is a more practical reason) that he writes in D so he can achieve vibrato in the low bases, which he wouldn't be able to in C as it's an open note (i.e. no fingers on the strings).

[@Joker5665jn]

@@Sammy71ful Interesting, thanks!

[@PL-808]

Very inspirational! Thank you so much. 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@javierandresayala]

Great video! I started learning composing cinematic music thanks to the song chevaliers de sangreal, it is truly amazing for me, your content is so valuable and rich, very well organized and explained, keep up this amazing channel and have a great day!

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi Javier, Many thanks for your kind words! I'm so glad you're getting value out of the content!

[@SKDrumming]

Love that one brother, a ton of ideas for composing ... hope to find time and utilize them during this summer :)

[@ArtyBob]

I spent a lot of time understanding chords but this video helped me a lot to understand the basics of cinematics. really informative video!

[@composingacademy8270]

I'm glad it was useful - thanks for watching!

[@thomasmordart]

There is no "interstellar" in the selection - it takes the listener precisely by the performance and sound of the organ, but it is the composition "time" that looks very simple, but you want to listen to it again and again)🥰

[@Sometimeslifeiscrazy]

Also, the melody for king of pride rock is all through the movie but never resolves till the end. Brilliant.

[@josiahbrown5462]

Absolutely love Hans, great video

[@composingacademy8270]

Many thanks!

[@JayMitchellMusic]

Been waiting for this topic!!

[@composingacademy8270]

Haha! Hopefully it was useful.....

[@JayMitchellMusic]

@@composingacademy8270 I find all of your content is useful. It’s easy to understand the way you break the theory down. Keep up the great work Simon!

[@detlefkrystofiak3838]

Hello Simon, Thank you very much for this video. Since I am a fan of Hans Zimmer Music, I found this post particularly helpful to understand how to use certain chord sequences can create special emotional feelings. I have to emphasize again and again that your approach particularly likes your contributions. Well of the order and above all understandable !!!! So I'm not just a fan of Hans Zimmer but also from you and your contributions. So thank you again for this post.

[@composingacademy8270]

Really appreciate the positive feedback thank you.

[@rafa3lico]

In DUNE i absolutely love the two consecutive (separated by a semitone) major 7th chords. So. Freaking. Powerful. You can hear the progression clearly at 4 minutes 17 seconds of "Ripples in the sand"

[@composingacademy8270]

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I've just checked it out - I definitely need to get to know the Dune soundtrack better!

[@rafa3lico]

@@composingacademy8270 really happy to hear that! I absolutely loved it. Cheers

[@samsguitarcovers]

Amazing job keep it up!!

[@dadadrew]

This is a tremendous channel. Thank you!

[@composingacademy8270]

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[@frankzelazko]

very beneficial and educational video

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you!

[@mcdebugger]

Thanks for this good review and your positive mood and smile! :)

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheMusiciansGear]

Hans Zimmer has very interesting chord progressions! I have always enjoyed his compositions

[@composingacademy8270]

I've always been impressed with how effectively his music compliments the visuals, with often relatively simple harmonic structures!

[@TheMusiciansGear]

@@composingacademy8270 I feel the same way! Music doesn't have to be complex or simple to be powerful!

[@alymak]

I love this class so much!!!!!

[@sachinbhosale4310]

Wow I never watched video like this. Thank you so much for making it

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@BryceDoesLife]

oh i love how u explain this and the content wow instant sub

[@eli-shulga]

Wow what a treasure box for practice these incredible peaces, also the music theory on some of those is fascinating - Thank you! Subbed :)

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@sprkymrt]

I enjoyed this. 😃 Thanks 🙏🏽

[@composingacademy8270]

Many thanks!

[@danielrennie8444]

Hey Simon. Wonderful video as always. I’m a big Zimmer fan myself and I’ve been hoping you’d make this video, so thank you!! I was wondering, though, if you’d heard his Man of Steel score. That is one of my personal favorites. Also his Dark Phoenix score is in my top few favorites too. If you haven’t heard those, I’d strongly recommend both, maybe even in a follow-up Zimmer video with those in it 😅. What’s your favorite Zimmer piece personally? Thanks again for the videos and have a great day!!

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi Daniel, many thanks for watching. Oh I love Man of Steel -I had it on constantly in my car when it first came out. Not as familiar with his Dark Phoenix score which I need to revisit. 'The Rock' was one of the first movies where the soundtrack really made an impression on me. I know that he, Nick Glennie Smith and Harry Gregson Williams shared a lot of the writing on that project, so although I was going to include a cue from The Rock in this video, I couldn't be sure if Zimmer wrote it or not! ('Hummel Gets the Rockets'). Anyway I also love a piece called 'Kopano Part III' from Tears of the Sun

[@Franz_Liszt_Korean]

This has helped me a lot

[@Jd8jd]

Amazing video! Plenty of great info

[@composingacademy8270]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@GeoffNelson]

Great video thanks a lot!

[@dharambasi1928]

One of Zimmer's works that is frequently overlooked is The Last Samurai, it's incredible. It's one of his more simpler compositions however it's beautiful and in my opinion his best work.

[@kevmurillo8510]

Bro yes!! I love the last samurai so much!!

[@KajianTemp]

Beautiful, beautiful score. The Ring is also pretty underrated.

[@frankstevens9726]

I see you’re a man of culture as well 🤝

[@dharambasi1928]

@@frankstevens9726 indeed 🤝

[@WillGrobbelaarMusic]

Yes! The Last Samurai is very underrated as a score and movie in my opinion. He did just release a Last Samurai Suite from his latest live tour. Check it out!

[@mortengu1385]

interesting and well presented!

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you!

[@BryanMunozc]

great video

[@samtasticsongs3012]

Please do more! So helpful. ❤

[@composingacademy8270]

More to come!

[@hamacaboy]

Amazing video😊

[@Byron101_]

Hans Zimmer is more a great sound layering man than a great composer... He once said that himself. ;)

[@hanniameeuwis7522]

Thank you so much!

[@apriltoronto5254]

Great job done, here... seems like you were having fun!

[@amirmoslehi2093]

Great video 👍

[@lepuitsauxsouhaits]

Hi, thank you for your videos, we need more !!

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you - More to come!

[@lepuitsauxsouhaits]

@@composingacademy8270 Can't wait !! :)

[@ubarhd1]

Fantastic

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you so much 😀

[@josepmaria5771]

Maravilloso Gracias

[@arctr00perecho]

I wish you did a piece from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. I kind of heard a similar chord progression presented in 'Chevaliers De Sangreal' from The Da Vinci Code and Lion King

[@roman_volkov23]

very intresting thanks c:

[@echoesofthefuture5811]

This is an AMAZING channel! What a find, and you explain it all so easy and there are so many styles to choose from. Forget about " Midi chord packs" this is a sensational channel for anyone who wants to learn cinematic music!

[@composingacademy8270]

Oh wow, thanks so much for your kind words. I'm glad its helping!

[@davidvaldez2945]

Great video

[@unisonbandy8235]

It's a great channel for beginners and intermediate producer.

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you so much, glad it has been useful!

[@asklavos]

Thanks a lot for the video, although it was just showing which chords are used, i am unsure as to what I learnt aside from piano sheet data..

[@DonPasquale_]

Really well done, would be awesome if you could do one for Ludwig Goransson and Michael Giacchino as well

[@composingacademy8270]

Thanks for watching! Great suggestions - I'll try to do a video on each of them soon!

[@mahmusik1153]

Goransson should have used V- IV-vi-I in Tenet

[@moy19vh]

Are you using virtual instruments? If so,which piano are you using? Sounds beautiful

[@PapierschnitzelPapercraft]

I have been dabbling with some of these themes to decipher the cord progressons. Thanks for helping me out here! :) (btw timestamps at the end seem out of sync)

[@composingacademy8270]

Thanks for spotting the timestamp issue - I had an issue with youtube copyright and had to take out the Dark Knight play through. Of course I forgot to update the timestamps 😀

[@carlosrelampago2279]

Excelent vídeo👏👏🎼🎼🤘

[@reympab29]

It’ll be great if you make a video about the chord progressions Thomas Bergensen uses. I’m most curious about “Cry” because some chords are what I call “happy chords” and yet the whole profession invites sadness and hopelessness.

[@SonOfManMusic]

nice

[@michaelosgoodjr947]

thank you so much for this video it's amazing to see such talent. Any chance you'll cover Elfman some day?

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi Michael - yes I'm sure I'll put together a video on Elfman's music. I don't know his music as much as other composers, so it will be fun to do some research! Which are your favourite scores of his?

[@michaelosgoodjr947]

@@composingacademy8270 Edward scissorhands ice dance, sleepy hollow, men in black, and any of the spider-man movies. He definitely can capture the attention with those chromatic chords. Mostly I love how the choir and strings evovle.

[@cjp68]

Thank you taking time time to break these progressions down. Your explanations are very helpful. I am still an amateur at composing this style of music. May I ask a question please? Em's formal? standard? chord progression is Em-F#dim-G-Am-Bm-C-D. I see in the chords above a Cmaj7. Does that mean the C can be changed to any variation of C Major? or any other chord above but the root? For instance, the Am, changing it to an Asus4? Bm to a Bb (flat) ? Not that I would with this piece just a general question please sir?

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi Paul, many thanks for watching. Yes you are correct, the chords which appear in an Em Natural minor scale are Em-F#dim-G-Am-Bm-C-D. The C maj7 refers to the 7th note which is Major 7th interval above the root note, C. This would give the note of 'B'. You could also have Asus4 and it would still fit in with the key of Em. Going from Bm to Bb would stick out a little as the Bb is not part of the Em scale. But if it sounds good to you, then go for it!

[@cjp68]

Thank you very much for your answer, it makes sense that moving it to the 7th interval works within that scale. So, any note or chord can change to a different note/chord as long it remain inside the it range? I believe I better understand now and once again, thank you kindly for your reply.

[@noahking5531]

Had no idea Hans Zimmer used the axis!

[@griffinc466]

Threw me for a loop to hear you describe Time as being in Em -- to me Am feels very strongly resolved, and the Em chord doesn't at all.

[@mattsmith8317]

amazing video ! what plugin were you using for the strings ?

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi, if I remember rightly, it was Cinematic Studio Strings. Hope that helps!

[@Yadi9696]

Bro i like u its really need me thank u

[@composingacademy8270]

You're welcome, thank you for watching!

[@davidr.w.7517]

Can you please explain Dream Is Collapsing (Inception) by Hans Zimmer? I subscribed by the way, you are a good teacher

[@hamed2011]

how to create good and catchy melodies have you any video about that?

[@composingacademy8270]

Hi, this one might help. 5 Tips for writing a melody. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g36Zl6ysr5d1gbc

[@harisumi8382]

Terima kasih👍

[@beingjono]

Strange way to look at "Time" , I deff would have thought of it in G, but I guess it doesn't really make a difference

[@vivekjadhav2210]

Nice Video Sir

[@composingacademy8270]

Thank you!

[@vivekjadhav2210]

Sir please make breakdown of song

[@vivekjadhav2210]

Song i am send you

[@bestvideotube728]

Well. hello there! Your videos are great job, don't doubt it. Thanks)) How much your music does cost for a short film? I have my own studio and we have a rewards (including best sound and best directing) Thank you)))

[@levidennis8007]

What kinda chord progression is in Radiohead & Hans Zimmer - Bloom it has 3 chords only and sounds very deep, mysterious and great.

[@johnhawkinshawkins1284]

More please ASAP

[@composingacademy8270]

Yes more planned!

[@REDSTUDIORECORDS]

Wow

[@harrierholt5891]

can you do a lesson on John Williams too?

[@nathantowns2043]

Wouldn't a better way to look at that Inception Chord progression be in A Dorian?

[@prod.platiinum3405]

after learning music theory this is mind blowing

[@jorgeguberte]

I would love to see this kind of video about Alexandre Desplat

[@gondiulaurentiu3804]

It is difficult without a dominant to assign a tonal center to this work. For me, it is rather A-Dorian. But it can also be G major and then D major with which it ends will be dominant.

[@watermark9282]

can you please explain which instruments plays chords in he is a pirate.I here chords but cant identify from what instruments

[@mukeshsaxena5603]

Time from Inception is my favourite.

[@gioachinolorelli5138]

Excuse me: There is a bass clef (F) with no alterations, so tge piece could be either F maj or d min. How czn rhe second bar (1st grade) be Em?

[@soliwan1932]

How does Thomas Newman make chord progressions give you butterflies in your stomach?

[@composingacademy8270]

Thomas Newman is also one of my favourites....look out for a potential video coming very soon.....

[@nihilist92]

The Lydian mode plays a major role here

[@marco.savini.128]

what's the context for the first chord progression being Em? i would think it totally Am, it's the first chord of the loop both times, it also has the most resolution, you can't tell me that that Em feels like a first chord, and also obviously, all chords in the progression fit in the Am tonality, it would end up being, I V VII IV+ I III VII IV+

[@cesar_m.p.]

8:42 "Ic" is that an standard notation? The purpose of using the roman numerals is to avoid a direct reference to chords letters. This contradict the purpose. Just asking... I don't know.

[@composingacademy8270]

The 'C' is referring to it being in 2nd inversion - its unfortunate that it also happens to be the note of C in the bass, which could make it confusing. If a chord was in 1st inversion, it would have a 'b' after it. I hope that helps!

[@cesar_m.p.]

@@composingacademy8270 Thanks for your answer. I didn't know this convention, but looks more convenient then the previous I knew.... where a small number "6" besides the "I" is the first inversion and then a 6 4 one in top of the other means the second inversion...

[@BajaShouta]

I'd love a deeper look at A Dark Knight and then Rise from the next movie, both of which have similar ending themes and whatnot

[@ashermax123]

Can you make a video like this for Danny elfman?

[@musicianlaurenceUK]

Curious to why you think Time is in Em. Surely it's A Dorian.

[@j5545]

Haven't watched the video but nice!

[@composingacademy8270]

Thanks!

[@malcolmgregoire1019]

I love Hans Zimmer's compositions and a close second would be Vangelis.

[@Sara-lk2yr]

Why in Inception Time you think It Is in E minor Key if there Is not an F Sharp at the beginning and the music start and finish with a A minor? I mean... If you think It Is in A minor the progression Is not so awkward as It looks in this way and It Is more understandable. We have "only" an eoliano mode with a sort of secondary dominants with the D7, right? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@interw7639]

宝藏博主！！！

[@elijahlkspencer]

Him: here’s a chord that adds suspense that wants to resolve to… *me pulling my hair out waiting for the resolution of the chord*