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Brooklyn by The Midnight - Guitar Chords
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Version 1
Brooklyn
by The Midnight
The song is in Eb, so I strongly recommend tuning down a half step; no one really wants to sing higher
than Jamison Tyler Lyle yet maintain the lightness, unless you're a supertenor.
There are a lot of bass movements that are different than the tonic of the chord,
and a lot of add2 and suspensions, giving the song its magical sound. I've attempted to capture most of
both of these in this tab, but whether to add or remove them depends on how "bare" or "augmented"
you wish your rendition to be.
For example, you could play the intro just as an Amaj chord and it'll work, but you'll miss the add2
shimmer and the G# bass tension. I recommend working with the basic chords first then adding the augmentations
as you can, enjoying the basic simplicity of the song structure, yet also how the additions really fill
out the mood.
The main chord progression is D-F#m-E (with an A relative major in the last stanza),
but with a lot of variances, esp add2 and where the bass either is on another note of the chord,
or walks us to the next note. I tried to capture as much as possible in this arrangement.
For example, try playing that progression standard, then change it to:
xx0220 - 200220 - 002100
You'll definitely feel the difference (and it's actually easier to play).
(Hint: it sounds even better if you hit the bass harder for the F# and E.)
Another great example is the substitution of the E relative minor for C#m7 in the second part of the chorus -
a beautiful and important change. Again, you can play this as a standard C#m (barring fret 4), but it's
not as shimmery.
The bass inversions add a lot and are worth working up to.
A perfect example of this trickery is the Dadd2/B in the solo.
To get the proper resolution into the Choruses, I strongly recommend resolving completely to the full
E major, no add2, because the resolution gives it that additional clarity of arrival.
This is a study in simple songwriting plus an excellent use of theory, making for a great song.
Many thanks to The Midnight for their work. May your learning of this cover appreciate their talent.
Standard tuning, down 1/2 step
************************************************************************
Aadd2 x02200
Aadd2/G# 402200
Aadd2/F# 202200
Dadd2 xx0220
Dadd2/F# 200220
Eadd2 002100
Eadd2/F# 202100
E 022100
E/G# 422100
Eadd2/G# 402100
C#m7 x42100
Dmaj7 xx0222
Dadd2/B x20220
************************************************************************
[Intro]
Aadd2 Aadd2/G# x2
(alternative, picked)
Eb|----0------0----|----0------0----|
Bb|------0------0--|------0------0--|
F |--2------2------|--2------1------| x2
Db|----------------|----------------|
Ab|--0-------------|--0-------------|
Eb|----------------|----------------|
[Verse 1]
Dadd2
There's traffic on the bridge
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
But the skyline shines with a certain light
Dadd2
And I know you're sick of it
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
But I know a happy hour nearby
[Pre-Chorus]
Dadd2
And there's a possibility
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
That one day, things'll get better
Dadd2
For the huddled masses in between
Aadd2 Aadd2/F# E
The shadows and the stars
[Chorus]
A
Floating empire
Eadd2/G#
Held up by fraying wire
Dadd2/F#
I'll cover you in winter
A Eadd2
Like a blanket by the fire
A
And when the rent's too high
C#m7
We'll just buy cheaper wine
Dadd2/F#
And hang on to see if whether
A Eadd2 Aadd2/F#
Constellations hold together or not
[Interlude]
Aadd2 Aadd2/G#
[Verse 2]
Dadd2
Four years in Brooklyn
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
And happy birthday, darling
Dadd2
When we feel young again
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
I'd like to take you dancing
[Pre-Chorus]
Dadd2
'Cause there's a possibility
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
That one day, things'll get better
Dadd2
For the huddled masses in between
Asus2 Asus2/F# E
The shadows and the stars
Dadd2
'Cause there's a possibility
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
That we'll both go down together
Dadd2
Or free ourselves from gravity
Asus2 E/G#
And tumble through the dark
[Chorus]
A
Floating empire
Eadd2/G#
Held up by fraying wire
Dadd2/F#
I'll cover you in winter
A Eadd2
Like a blanket by the fire
A
And when the rent's too high
C#m7
We'll just buy cheaper wine
Dadd2/F#
And hang on to see if whether
A Eadd2 Dadd2
Constellations hold together or not
[Interlude 2]
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
[Bridge]
Dmaj7
I never placed too much faith in the stars
Eadd2 Dmaj7
I never placed too much faith in my heart
Dadd2/F# Eadd2
But the siren call of the chandelier city
Dmaj7 Eadd2/F#
And inch-by-inch, we're breaking apart
Dmaj7
As we're rising through the dark
Dadd2/F# E
From the sky, I bet the lights look pretty
[Solo]
Dadd2 Dadd2/F# Eadd2
Dadd2/B Dadd2/F# E
[Chorus]
A
Floating empire
Eadd2/G#
Held up by fraying wire
Dadd2/F#
I'll cover you in winter
A Eadd2
Like a blanket by the fire
A
And when the rent's too high
C#m7
We'll just buy cheaper wine
Dadd2/F#
And hang on to see if whether
A Eadd2 Dadd2
Constellations hold together or not
[Outro]
Dadd2 Dadd2/F# Eadd2
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