• Analyzing the notes and chords of a song is a major part of music theory.
  • In this analysis, we will be looking at the first four measures of O Canada!, the national anthem of Canada.
  • In this analysis, we will be looking at the first four bars of O Canada!, the national anthem of Canada.
  • The first step in analysis is to determine the key. Since the key signature contains three flats, we have two possibilities: Eb major or C minor.
  • The first chord contains an Eb, Bb, Eb, and G - an Eb major triad. Since this is I in Eb Major, we are most likely in that key.
  • The second chord contains a D, Bb, F, and Bb - a Bb major triad. This is V in Eb Major. Since the third is the lowest note, the triad is in first inversion.
  • Since the third chord is the same as the previous one, we do not have to repeat the analysis symbol.
  • The first chord of the second measure contains a C, G, C, and Eb - a C minor triad. Thus, it is vi.
  • The first chord of the second bar contains a C, G, C, and Eb - a C minor triad. Thus, it is vi.
  • The second chord contains a Bb, Bb, D, and F - another Bb major triad. This time, it is in root position.
  • The first chord of the third measure contains an Eb, Bb, Eb, and G - an Eb major triad. Thus, it is another I chord.
  • The first chord of the third bar contains an Eb, Bb, Eb, and G - an Eb major triad. Thus, it is another I chord.
  • The second chord contains a C, Ab, Eb, and Ab - an Ab major triad in first inversion.
  • The third chord contains a G, G, Eb, and Bb - an Eb major triad in first inversion.
  • The fourth chord contains an Ab, C, Eb, and C - another Ab major triad. Notice that it is now in root position.
  • The final measure contains a Bb, Bb, D, and F - a Bb major triad. Thus, we end with a V.
  • The final bar contains a Bb, Bb, D, and F - a Bb major triad. Thus, we end with a V.
  • Listen to these measures of O Canada!.
  • Listen to these bars of O Canada!.
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