The Secret of the DEACON BLUES Intro Chords (STEELY DAN)

Tim Smolens shows the great complexity of the intro chords for Steely Dan's 1977 hit "Deacon Blues," and he reveals the unexpected songwriting secret that they hide.

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Explore the ultra-complex chord progression of the "Second Arrangement."

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[TimSmolens]

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[flaredrake]

Tim, your video format is amazing with the chord chart and keyboard diagram. I appreciate what you're bringing to online music education.

[ili]

I enjoy your exploratory style.. it’s unscripted / unpredictable and creative, yet focused on an idea. Reminds me of my own musical adventures

[johncostigan]

I enjoy the fact that this change is playable, and NOT rocket science. Thanks Tim.

[MonkeyBars]

Great video love it! no need to defend Steely Dan from those deaf to genius

[Hoodiebud]

Love your style and ethos.
I can count truly good music analysis channels on two hands, and the videos I've seen by you is enough for one of my fingers to be your representative (alongside channels like 12Tone and 8bitmusictheory).
Some people just fall into the pit hole of just saying things, just saying big chord names and modes but not answering anything deeper (looking at YOU, Rick Beato, and I'm so sorry but you too, Charles Cornell).
However, how conscious you are about style, tastes and intentions, but also how you voice your own spontaneous thoughts and references (like suddenly being reminded by other songs by a chord progression, I do that ALL the time).

[craftycodie]

Oh hell yes I sing this song all the time

[rawl]

I came of age (1969 - early 70's) when the whole "underground FM" thing really took off, especially in LA where I lived at the time. FM stations such as KPPC (owned ironically by the Pasadena Presbyterian Church which took a hands off approach to the station's programming... until they didn't) were part of a movement away from the payola pay-to-play business that was top 40 AM radio at the time. Instead the fledgling FM arena played almost anything regardless of track lengths. It was not unusual to hear entire album sides on air, even during the day! I don't have to remind you that Steely Dan released a song called FM. Underground FM contributed to the advancement of so many musically superior groups in the US market including Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP, King Crimson, and of course Steely Dan. It was great while it lasted...

[Sebraca]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, you have expanded my music theory knowledge a lot

[thadmatson]

Nice thought provoking analysis. Thank you.

[JustyStoky]

Would love to see you breakdown the song Aja.

[vasukilaru]

I noticed also that the C Maj 7th to the G add2 over B sounds a lot like the chords used in Peg. Am I wrong?

[toddlevin]

The only issue is that Dan'a Aja is dated 1977 and Duran's Rio is 1989. So what you mean today is that Duran ripped off Dan - and not the other way round, as you suggest...

[robertrachels]

I was already a fan of Supertramp at 16 when my older female neighbor, who l cut her grass(l actually DID mow their lawn), so get your minds outta the gutter. Gave me my first Steele Dan album, "Can't buy a Thrill" when she found out l was a fan of Supertramp. I bought every album they ever made after my first introduction with the CBAT album. And to hear you say you DIDN'T LIKE this band hurts. You, Sir, have no taste in good Jazz or new age music. I could list dozens of bands that you most likely have never heard thar you would, again say you hate. Well, the bands and l do not care for your opinions as you clearly need help with appreciation of fine unique products of music! 😢