In Too Deep Chords Jacob Collier

Alright, gather 'round, music lovers (and those who accidentally stumbled in here looking for cat videos). We're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of harmonic genius that is Jacob Collier's "In Too Deep." Now, before you run screaming thinking, "Oh no, music theory!", fear not. I promise we'll keep the jargon to a minimum, and the ridiculousness to a maximum.

First things first: Jacob Collier. Imagine Mozart raised on a diet of Skittles, jazz, and a healthy dose of internet randomness. That's him. He's basically a one-man band, a human chord machine, and probably solves Rubik's Cubes with his feet while composing fugues. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. Slightly. But seriously, his musicality is almost otherworldly.

The Deep End of the Pool: "In Too Deep"

So, "In Too Deep." What makes it special? Well, it's not just a song, it's a sonic adventure. It’s like someone took a perfectly normal pop song, threw it into a blender with some classical music, a sprinkle of funk, and a whole lot of advanced harmony, and then somehow managed to make it sound amazing. Think musical gumbo. A very complex musical gumbo.

The core of the song revolves around a fairly simple chord progression, but Collier adds layers of complexity through reharmonization, voice leading, and general chordal wizardry. It's like he's constantly asking, "What if this chord went there instead?" And then answering with something that sounds both surprising and ridiculously good.

Let’s talk about those chords. A simplified version of the verse progression might look something like this:

• Cm7
• F7
• Bbmaj7
• Ebmaj7

Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! Collier doesn't just play these chords. He embellishes them. He adds extensions, alterations, and passing chords like a master chef adding spices to a dish. We're talking 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, altered dominants…the whole shebang! It’s not just a Cm7, it’s a Cm7 with a side of intrigue and a mysterious smile.

And that’s just the beginning! He then throws in chords like Dbmaj7#11. Try saying that five times fast. Or even just once. This chord, in particular, adds a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. It’s the musical equivalent of floating on a cloud made of marshmallows.

But the real magic lies in how he transitions between these chords. Forget boring old root movements! Collier employs sophisticated voice leading, meaning he carefully guides the individual notes within the chords to create smooth and interesting connections. It's like watching a perfectly choreographed dance between the notes, where each one knows exactly where it needs to be.

Here's a fun fact: some of Collier's chord choices are so unconventional that they probably violate several music theory textbooks. But who needs rules when you have talent like that? He’s basically rewriting the rules of harmony one mind-bending chord at a time.

Decoding the Collier Code: A (Slightly) Easier Approach

Okay, so all this talk of complex chords and voice leading might sound intimidating. But don't worry, you don't need a PhD in musicology to appreciate "In Too Deep." Here’s the secret: listen for the feeling it creates. Focus on the shifting harmonies, the unexpected twists and turns, and the sheer joy that radiates from the music.

Try playing along with the song on a piano or guitar. Even if you can't nail every single chord voicing, you can still get a sense of the underlying harmony. Start with simplified versions of the chords, and gradually add more extensions and alterations as you become more comfortable. And remember, have fun! Music is about expression, not perfection.

The key takeaway? "In Too Deep" is a masterpiece of modern harmony. It's a testament to Jacob Collier's incredible talent, creativity, and willingness to push the boundaries of what's possible in music. It’s a song that rewards repeated listening, and that continues to surprise and delight even after countless listens.

So, next time you're feeling adventurous, dive into the deep end with Jacob Collier. You might just discover a whole new world of musical possibilities. Just don’t blame me if you end up spending the next six months trying to figure out how he makes those chords sound so darn good! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm off to practice my Dbmaj7#11. Wish me luck!