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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” composed by Paul McCartney, is a pop song that sits in the key of D Major throughout. However, it does borrow chords from the parallel minor. This technique, known as modal interchange or borrowed chords, is common in popular music and especially in classical compositions by iconic bands like The Beatles.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from the concept album “The Wall.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric sound created through a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, haunting vocals, and a variety of effects. The chord progression of Verse 3 is interesting as it features a mix of diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extensions such as the add9 chords that contribute to the song’s unique sound.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is an eclectic and elegant piece of music evident in its rhythm, harmony, melody, and lyrics. It is predominantly in the key of A Major, but it has several key changes and introduces chords that are non-diatonic, giving it a progressive and unexpected feel.

“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse 3 uses a repetitive I-♭VI-I sequence with an overall key of E minor.

“`
E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)

E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)

E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)

E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “All Along The Watchtower” by Bob Dylan also oscillates between two chords (Am and G) which creates a feeling of tension and unease.

“`
A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)

A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)

A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)

A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)
“`

2. “With or Without You” by U2 has a chord progression of D – A – Bm – G, repeating throughout the song, a technique called an ostinato.

“`
D major (‘I’)
A major (‘V’)
B minor (‘vi’)
G major (‘IV’)
“`

Musical Analysis

The Em chord gives a melancholic and dark feeling while the C chord provides some relief with a relatively more uplifting tone. However, the rapid alternation between these two chords imparts an overall feeling of complexity and melancholy which is in line with the song’s lyrical content about loneliness and isolation.

Overall Analysis

“Eleanor Rigby” is known for its unusual and innovative use of the Aeolian mode, otherwise known as the natural minor scale, which is reflected in the chord progression Em – C. The song incorporates string arrangements and has a narrative, storytelling style. Unlike most pop and rock songs of the time, it does not contain drums or guitars. The chord utilization is simple with only two chords used throughout, Em and C, but it nevertheless creates a unique and haunting soundscape.

Style Analysis

“Eleanor Rigby” demonstrates an innovative use of the Aeolian mode in pop music. Its emotive use of strings and the two-chord progression successfully conveys a melancholic atmosphere. The song doesn’t have a traditional chorus and is more similar to classical compositions or folk storytelling. The Beatles’ ability to create a unique musical landscape with simple chords illustrates their pioneering genius in songwriting.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles are:

[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’]