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MGS1968 · 12-19-2021, 01:49 AM

Hi All,

new here. Music theory hurts my head at the best of times. I'm trying to understand the key of this particular song. How is it that it's defined as being in the key of E, not A? Is it simply that the chord progression is a IV, I then IV, V, I of E major in the verse? Is this a common progression in modern mainstream music? Thanks.

The verse is

A E
A E
A B E

Chorus

A E
A E
B A E
B A E

I've got a little tidbit I've just come up with, and trying to see where I can go with it, hence the desire to understand theory some more. Can't seem to post till after 15 posts.

12-19-2021, 01:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
MGS1968 Groupie Join Date: Dec 2021 Posts: 1	Wasted Days John Mellencamp Key Query Hi All, new here. Music theory hurts my head at the best of times. I'm trying to understand the key of this particular song. How is it that it's defined as being in the key of E, not A? Is it simply that the chord progression is a IV, I then IV, V, I of E major in the verse? Is this a common progression in modern mainstream music? Thanks. The verse is A E A E A B E Chorus A E A E B A E B A E I've got a little tidbit I've just come up with, and trying to see where I can go with it, hence the desire to understand theory some more. Can't seem to post till after 15 posts.