Understanding the specific voicings and progressions found in the work of Richard Marx offers a direct pathway to capturing the polished, radio-ready sound that defined late-80s and early-90s pop-rock. As a pianist and guitarist, Marx frequently built his signature wall-of-sound arrangements from the ground up using carefully selected chord structures that blend classic pop sensibility with sophisticated jazz-influenced harmonies. Analyzing these harmonic choices reveals a methodical approach to tension and release that remains influential for songwriters today.
Core Harmonic Palette
At the heart of the Richard Marx chords library lies a reliance on extended tertian harmony, where chords are built by stacking thirds beyond the basic triad. This methodology populates the sound with ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths, creating the lush, complex texture heard on hits like "Right Here Waiting" and "Endless Summer Nights." The use of these add9 and 7th chords provides a bright, shimmering quality that avoids the heaviness of rock power chords while maintaining a rich emotional depth suitable for ballads and uptempo tracks alike.
Common Progressions
Marx frequently utilized cyclical progressions that move smoothly through the circle of fifths, a technique that provides a sense of inevitable resolution favored by commercial songwriters. A prevalent pattern involves a vi – IV – I – V movement, which establishes a melancholic starting point before resolving to the triumphant tonic. This specific sequence allows for dynamic vocal melodies that soar over the supportive harmonic bed, ensuring the melody remains the focal point while the chords provide maximum emotional impact.
Voicing Techniques and Inversions
The specific sound of the Richard Marx chords is not just about the notes chosen, but how those notes are voiced on the piano or guitar. He often employs close voicings in the mid-range of the keyboard, leaving the upper register open for the lead vocal or a soaring guitar solo. Inversions are used strategically to maintain a smooth bass line, often walking down from the tonic through the submediant and subdominant to create a sophisticated bass movement that drives the groove without changing the core harmonic structure.
Rhythmic Strumming and Arpeggiation
On the guitar, these progressions are commonly executed with a specific rhythmic pattern that combines downstrokes with quick upstrokes to mimic the piano’s sustain pedal. Alternatively, arpeggiated chords allow the individual notes to ring clearly, adding a harp-like quality that cuts through dense mixes. This approach ensures the harmonic content remains transparent and airy, preventing the sound from becoming muddy and allowing each element of the production to breathe.
Application in Modern Songwriting
Modern artists looking to harness the power of the Richard Marx chords can apply these principles to create instant nostalgia without sounding dated. By focusing on the extensions and inversions rather than the basic shapes, songwriters can update the classic sound for contemporary production. Pairing these jazz-tinged chords with straightforward pop melodies results in a sophisticated yet accessible track that appeals to a wide demographic, bridging the gap between adult contemporary and mainstream pop.
Practical Implementation
To begin integrating these sounds into your own work, start by mapping out the primary chords in the key of C Major, focusing on the Dm7, Fmaj7, and G7 variations. Practice transitioning between these chords while maintaining a consistent rhythmic strum or arpeggio pattern. Once the fluidity is achieved, experiment with adding the major 7th to the tonic chord at the resolution point to achieve that signature Marx-style lift that leaves the listener feeling satisfied and emotionally fulfilled.
