Learn How to Use Exotic Chords Like Nickel Creek’s “This Side”

Nickel Creek: This Side

In this episode, we’re looking at Nickel Creek’s “This Side” with a focus on learning how to use some exotic chords in your songwriting.  Here are the particular techniques we are analyzing:

  • Using G# in the key of E and why that works — it’s because the song temporarily shifts to the key of C# minor.
  • Going through Bbb5 chord on the way from C#m to A, and how a diminished chord resolves half step down.
  • The use of chromatic scale at the end of the bridge, and how it sets up a triumphant return to the tonic, the E chord.