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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.

“All My Loving” by The Beatles is written in the key of D Major. It’s pop and rock style includes elements of British Invasion and Merseybeat. It shows a common chord progression modified with additional chords and modulation.

“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.

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic and influential rock song released in 1967. The chord progression featured in Verse 3 of this song has a bluesy, psychedelic sound that typifies Hendrix’s style. The use of the E7#9 chord, also known as the “Hendrix chord,” adds a sense of tension and dissonance, which contributes to the edgy and innovative nature of the song.

“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.

The Beatles – Let It Be – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A minor (vi)
A minor/G (vi)
F Major 7 (IV)
F6 (IV)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F Major (IV)
C Major/E (I)
D minor 7 (ii)
C Major (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The hangover track “For No One” also by The Beatles
“`
C Major (I)
A minor (vi)
D minor 7 (ii)
G Major (V)
“`
2. The song “Perfect” from Ed Sheeran
“`
G Major (I)
E minor (vi)
C Major (IV)
D Major (V)
“`
3. “High Hopes” from Kodaline
“`
C Major (I)
A minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
G Major (V)
“`

Musical Analysis

The song is built around a classic “IV-I-V-vi” pattern, contributing to its universal and easy-listening appeal. The Am/G (vi) chord is a more sophisticated version of the more common Am chord and adds an ethereal touch to the progression. The Fmaj7 (IV) adds a slight tension before resolving back to the tonic. The F6 (IV) adds color and variety to the progression. The Dm7 (ii) chord adds a different type of tension that nicely resolves back to the tonic.

Overall Analysis

“Let It Be” by The Beatles is a song in the key of C Major. The chord progression featured in Verse 3 of the song, C – G – Am – Am/G – Fmaj7 – F6 – C – G – F – C/E – Dm7 – C, is a common progression in pop music. It has a repetitive structure and revolves around the I-V-vi-VI progression.

Style Analysis

The Beatles often used conventional chord progressions but with twists, either incorporating sophisticated borrowed chords or switching chord inversions. They also often used non-diatonic chords to add color and emotional depth to their songs. “Let It Be” is a great example of this. It’s important to note that the primary hook of the song is not only in the chord progression but also in the melody and the lyrical content – a hallmark of The Beatles’ songwriting style.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Let It Be by The Beatles are:

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]