Analysis: O Canada

printed from www.musictheory.net

Analyzing the notes and chords of a song is a major part of music theory.
In this analysis, we will be looking at the first four measures of O Canada!, the national anthem of Canada.

The first step in analysis is to determine the key. Since the key signature contains three flats, we have two possibilities: Eb major or C
minor.
The first chord contains an Eb, Bb, Eb, and G - an Eb major triad. Since this is I in Eb Major, we are most likely in that key.

The second chord contains a D, Bb, F, and Bb - a Bb major triad. This is V in Eb Major. Since the third is the lowest note, the triad is in
first inversion.

Since the third chord is the same as the previous one, we do not have to repeat the analysis symbol.
The first chord of the second measure contains a C, G, C, and Eb - a C minor triad. Thus, it is vi.

The second chord contains a Bb, Bb, D, and F - another Bb major triad. This time, it is in root position.

The first chord of the third measure contains an Eb, Bb, Eb, and G - an Eb major triad. Thus, it is another I chord.
The second chord contains a C, Ab, Eb, and Ab - an Ab major triad in first inversion.

The third chord contains a G, G, Eb, and Bb - an Eb major triad in first inversion.

The fourth chord contains an Ab, C, Eb, and C - another Ab major triad. Notice that it is now in root position.
The final measure contains a Bb, Bb, D, and F - a Bb major triad. Thus, we end with a V.

Listen to these measures of O Canada!.

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