The Beatles – Within You Without You – Intro
Within You Without You < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd11’, ‘C’, ‘C7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is an analysis of the intro:
1. C (I)
2. C (I)
3. Cadd11 (Isus4)
4. C (I)
5. C7 (I7)
Here’s the analysis in the code block:
“`
C (I)
C (I)
Cadd11 (Isus4)
C (I)
C7 (I7)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
In Western Pop culture, such static chord successions aren’t very common due to their less dynamic nature. However, there are a few pieces that one might point to for at least partially correlating progressions. One of them might be Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne,” which uses a similar emphasis on the tonic and dominant in its progression. Here’s its progression:
1. E (I)
2. E (I)
3. Eadd6 (Isus2)
4. E (I)
5. E7 (I7)
However, note that Cohen’s piece doesn’t dabble into Eastern music influences as Harrison’s does.
Musical Analysis
There is much to say about “Within You Without You.” It utilizes the mixolydian mode, a scale that has a major tonic chord but a minor dominant, unlike the major scale which has both a major tonic and dominant. Specifically, the song emphasizes the suspension of the fourth in the tonic chord, as seen in the progression from the C (I) to Cadd11 (Isus4). The C7 (I7) serves as a dominant function, leading well back to the tonic (root) chord.
Overall Analysis
“Within You Without You” from The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, composed by George Harrison, is a unique song in the Beatles’ discography. Musically, it truly merges the essence of Indian classical music with traditional Western music techniques. The chord progression is minimal and largely stays around the key of C major, which enhances the song’s drone-like effect, typical in traditional Indian music.
Style Analysis
This song showcases George Harrison’s fascination with Indian music, specifically the classical raga tradition. The sitar is an important part of the song’s sound. The fusion of Eastern and Western styles is particularly evident in the chord progression. Though minimal and repetitious, it allows the melody (based on Indian Raga scales, specifically the Khamaj scale) to sit on top, creating a mesmeric and almost hypnotic effect.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Within You Without You – Intro?
[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd11’, ‘C’, ‘C7’]
