The Mystery of the C Major Chord in Buffalo Springfield’s For What It's Worth

The question of whether the song 'For What It's Worth' by Buffalo Springfield features a C major chord when played in the key of E has puzzled musicians and fans alike. This article delves into the chord progression and vocal harmony to clarify this persistent mystery.

Chord Progression Analysis

The crux of the matter lies in the final chorus, specifically the line 'goin' down' (transliterated as 'going down'). The chord progression at this point is often described as E D A E, with Richie Furay and Stephen Stills singing harmonies and guitarists adding their parts. However, the presence of a C major chord is contentious.

Richie Furay and Stephen Stills' vocal harmonies indeed include C, but the question remains: do the guitars play a C major chord? Some observers note that the bass occasionally plays a C, along with the rhythm guitars. However, the primary role of the rhythm guitars seems to be in maintaining the E major key, suggesting they may not be playing a C major chord.

Additionally, there are instances where vocal harmonies sing B and E simultaneously with Furay's C, complicating the issue further. During a particular version of the song, someone is heard singing E C B, with each chord being sustained. This raises the possibility that a C major chord may have been played, either by Furay or as a harmonized note.

Theoretical and Practical Considerations

From a theoretical standpoint, the inclusion of a C major chord in the key of E would add tension and a different contour to the melody. This chord, being part of the E major scale (E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#), would provide a clear harmonic shift. However, the prevailing performance by Buffalo Springfield does not include this chord.

Consistent with many live performances and recordings, the chord progression typically follows E E/G A A7add9no 3rd, supported by sustained backup harmonies. The harmonies in this section often sing G major with the A7 chord, reinforcing the sense of the key remaining in E major.

Performance Variations

While the official version of the song adheres to the original key of E, some performers have added a C major chord for various reasons. A notable instance is a karaoke version where acoustic guitars play a C chord, while the bass remains on E. This addition brings a new dimension to the song, creating a sense of unresolved tension that can be pleasant in certain contexts.

Some modern interpretations, like the one played with a group, use a more flexible approach, aiming to maintain the descending motion and the key of E major without the C chord. This version simplifies the progression to E, D, A, E, enhancing the cohesion and rhythmic flow of the performance.

Conclusion

The presence of a C major chord in 'For What It's Worth' when played in the key of E is a matter of interpretation. While some theories and performances suggest its inclusion, the original recording and many live performances do not feature this chord. Musicians and fans can choose to play the song as they see fit, adding their personal touch to this iconic track.

Ultimately, the beauty of music lies in its ability to be interpreted and enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to include the C chord or not, the essence of 'For What It's Worth' remains a powerful anthem for social change and questioning authority.

Key Takeaways:

Chord Analysis: The song's key is E major, with some vocal harmonies including C. Theoretical Implications: Adding a C chord would create harmonic tension. Practice: Many performances stick to the original key, while some interpretive versions include the C chord.

Feel free to explore different versions and interpretations of the song to find the one that resonates most with you!