Buckley- Grace Flashcards
Describe the vocal techniques used in “Grace”.
“Grace” has a wide vocal range; at some points, Buckley sings falsetto (higher than the normal male range). He also uses vibrato and scoops up to notes (he starts a now lower then slides up to the written note, a technique also called portamento)
How does “Grace” start?
It starts quietly, with just two electric guitars -one distorted, one not-, and an eerie wailing in the background played by a synthesiser
What are the dynamics in “Grace” like?
The dynamics are increased by bringing in more instruments- after a few bars, the bass guitar and drums come in. By the end, there’s a full rock band playing, with heavy drums, screaming vocals and wailing guitars. The instruments themselves don’t actually increase in volume, but more are added to make it more intense.
Describe the time signature/tempo of “Grace”.
It’s in a steady 12/8; this is unusual as most rock songs are in 4/4. It feels faster than it actually is, as the guitar plays semiquaver runs at the beginning.
What’s the structure of “Grace” like?
It has a fairly typical verse-chorus structure, with a guitar solo towards the end. The intro is repeated after the choruses, and the the piece ends with a short outro.
There are four main guitar riffs in “Grace”. Describe the first.
The first riff is made up of semiquavers and is played by the electric guitar in the introduction and then repeated in between verses.
There are four main guitar riffs in “Grace”. Describe the second.
This riff is played in the verses, and is made up of broken chords (the notes of the chord, but played separately)
There are four main guitar riffs in “Grace”. Describe the third.
This riff is played by the acoustic guitar in the verses and choruses and is rhythmic and percussive.
There are four main guitar riffs in “Grace”. Describe the fourth.
In the final section of the piece, both guitars play a fourth riff whilst the vocals build to a screaming climax.
What do the riffs in “Grace” do, texturally?
They build up the texture of the piece.
What types of electronic effects are added to “Grace”?
EQ and Delay, and a flanger is used to create a swirly sound. Flangers are added in a studio.
Buckley used unusual chord progressions, as he just chose chords he liked the sound of. However, which key is the main part of “Grace” in?
E minor
