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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

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The Beatles were known for their innovative use of musical elements, and this can be seen in “I Want To Hold Your Hand”. The song is largely in the key of G major, but it also has some borrowed chords from other keys. This variety creates a unique listening experience that keeps the song fresh.

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“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is a pop ballad written in the key of G major. The progression makes traditional use of the G major chord scale with a notable exception of a borrowed chord A/C#.

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‘Set Fire to the Rain’ is written in the key of D minor. The main course of progression uses the chords of Dm, B-flat Major, F Major and C Major. This is a 6-4-1-5 progression, which is very popular and is used in a lot of pop music.

What makes this progression interesting is that Adele uses the 2nd inversion of the A minor chord, Am/B, and G/A, which gives it a unique timbre. `Am/B` is the 2nd inversion of the `Am` chord and `G/A` is the 2nd inversion of the `G` chord.

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The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, D, G, Em, C, D, B7, C, D, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

The chorus of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” goes as follow, in the key of G major:

C Major (IV), D Major (V), G Major (I), E minor (vi), C Major (IV), D Major (V), B7 Dominant 7 (III7), C Major (IV), D Major (V), C Major (IV), G Major (I)

Please note that the B7 chord can be seen as a secondary dominant of the E minor chord.

Music Theory
Borrowed Chord: None

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Sam’s Town” by The Killers uses a similar IV-V-I progression, but in a more rock-influenced context. The progression in the key of B Major:
E Major (IV), F# Major (V), B Major (I), G#m (vi), E Major (IV), F# Major (V), D#7 (III7), F# Major (V)

2. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars also uses a similar IV-V-I progression, but in a more contemporary pop context. The progression in the key of F Major:
Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), F Major (I), Dm (vi), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), A7 (III7), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I)

This kind of progression is common in pop music due to the strong resolution of the IV-V-I movement, and the use of a secondary dominant to create extra harmonic interest. The Beatles’ impact on popular music can be clearly seen in these songs which incorporate this progression.

Musical Analysis

The chorus starts with a IV-V-I progression, quite a standard in pop music as it gives the effect of “returning home”, creating a resolution. This creates a feel of happiness and optimism, which complements the lyrical content of the song. Following the G Major, the progression moves to E minor adding a touch of melancholy then goes back to the IV-V progression, indicating a resolution. The B7 acts as a Dominant 7 of the iii chord, adding tension and preparing the listener for the return to the IV-V progression, and finally concluding at the “home” chord, G Major.

Overall Analysis

The song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is cheerful and upbeat, with accessible melodies that catch the audience’s attention immediately. The rhythm is contagious and gives a happy atmosphere to the whole song. It is a perfect example of the early influences of rock ‘n’ roll on The Beatles, with a chord progression that is quite common in pop/rock music but showcases The Beatles’ ability to create fresh and unique melodic ideas.

Style Analysis

This left turn into minor key followed by the secondary dominant is a hallmark of Beatles music, showing their ability to add structural complexity and unpredictability within the confines of pop music. This also shows their early affinity for mixing major and minor keys to create distinct flavors.

Chords in the Chorus section of I Want To Hold Your Hand by The Beatles are:

C, D, G, Em, C, D, B7, C, D, C, G