Spy Chromatic (James Bond)

i → i+ → i6 → i+

Position
Em chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Em: string 6: open, string 5: fret 2, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: open, string 1: openEm
Em+ chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Em+: string 6: open, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: fret 1, string 1: openEm+
Em6 chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Em6: string 6: open, string 5: fret 2, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: fret 2, string 1: openEm6
Em+ chord diagramGuitar chord fingering for Em+: string 6: open, string 5: fret 3, string 4: fret 2, string 3: open, string 2: fret 1, string 1: openEm+
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About

The iconic chromatic line from spy movie themes. The 5th of the minor chord rises chromatically (B → C → C#) then falls back (C), creating the classic tension and release. This is the signature sound of 007.

Songs using this progression

  • James Bond Theme — Monty Norman
  • Goldfinger — Shirley Bassey
  • Diamonds Are Forever — Shirley Bassey
Film ScoreJazzSpydramaticmysteriouscinematictense

Related progressions

Baroque Classical (Andalusian)
i → VII → VI → V
ClassicalFlamenco
Minor Blues
i → iv → V
BluesRock