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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

“Girl” by The Beatles is a classic example of their use of chromatic harmony and modal interchange. The chord progression shows complexity in both its chord choices and structure, a distinguishing feature in much of their music. By closely examining this piece, we can better understand The Beatles’ harmonic technique where they blend the techniques of classical music (like chromaticism and harmonic diversity) with pop songwriting.

The key of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ is G Major, a common key for pop and country songs which provides a bright and uplifting sound. Throughout the song, only four different chords are used: G, D, Em and C. The progression is repeated consistently, with only the sudden introduction of an F major chord (borrowed from the parallel minor of G) towards the end of the song during a transition phase.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Kids” by MGMT is a repetitive and catchy sequence that features four chords, showcasing MGMT’s characteristic electronic pop and psychedelic rock sound. The progression is in the key of A Major, and the chords follow a vi-IV-I-V pattern.

The chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

The Beatles – Let It Be – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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Here’s the chord progression analysis with Roman numerals for the chorus.

1. A minor (‘vi’)
2. G major (‘V’)
3. F major (‘IV’)
4. C major (‘I’)
5. C major (‘I’)
6. G major (‘V’)
7. F major (‘IV’)
8. C/E (‘I6’)
9. D minor 7 (‘ii7’)
10. C major (‘I’)
11. A minor (‘vi’)
12. G major (‘V’)
13. F major (‘IV’)
14. C major (‘I’)
15. C major (‘I’)
16. G major (‘V’)
17. F major (‘IV’)
18. C/E (‘I6’)
19. D minor 7 (‘ii7’)
20. C major (‘I’)
21. A minor (‘vi’)
22. G major (‘V’)
23. F major (‘IV’)
24. C major (‘I’)
25. C major (‘I’)
26. G major (‘V’)
27. F major (‘IV’)
28. C/E (‘I6’)
29. D minor 7 (‘ii7’)
30. C major (‘I’)

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Similar Chord Progressions

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1. The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” has a similar progression in its chorus: [‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C/D’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C/D’, ‘D’, ‘G’], aligning to: G major (‘I’), E minor (‘vi’), C/D (‘IV6’), D major (‘V’), G major (‘I’).

2. Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” uses a progression with similar elements in its verse: [‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Bm’], corresponding to: B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), G major (‘VI’), E minor (‘iv’), B minor (‘i’).

3. Oasis’s “Wonderwall” adopts a similar progression in its chorus: [‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’], mapping to: E minor (‘i’), G major (‘III’), D major (‘VII’), A major (‘IV’), E minor (‘i’), G major (‘III’), D major (‘VII’), A major (‘IV’).

Musical Analysis

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The chorus cyclically moves from the ‘vi’ to the ‘V’ to the ‘IV’ to the ‘I’, reinforcing the major tonality. The brief touches on the ‘vi’ chord provide an undercurrent of minor sonority, adding contrast within the progression. The ‘I6’ (C/E) chord is an example of an inverted chord used to smooth the bass motion.

The D minor 7 chord (‘ii7’) is used as a pivot chord to modulate the key, momentarily providing a softening effect before resolving back to the tonic, C major (‘I’).

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Overall Analysis

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“Let It Be” is one of The Beatles’ most popular songs and features a primarily major tonality (C Major), giving it its iconic uplifting and inspiring quality. The song’s chord progression is quite standard in terms of pop/rock music, yet it does include some interesting elements like inversions and a 7th chord to add variety and emotional depth.

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Style Analysis

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Beatles are known for their innovative use of chord progressions and harmonies, a feature that sets them apart from other artists of their era. In “Let It Be”, they combine conventional and uncommon progressions, embodying their talent in combining simplicity with complexity. The melody notes are primarily derived from the key of C major, providing a strong sense of unity and coherence.

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Chords in the Chorus section of Let It Be by The Beatles are:

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]