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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is highly complex and represents an exceptional use of harmonic structuring. The richness of the piece lies in Brian Wilson’s innovative and unpredictable songwriting, who was making significant use of modulation at the time, constantly shifting keys, in this case especially during the transition bridge.

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of The Stone Age is written in E Major key.

“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.

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is an experimental and atmospheric electronic song, released on the album “Kid A” in 2000. The chord progression of the chorus is fairly simple, yet features some distinctive chords which create a sense of tension and release. It incorporates modal mixture and chromatic mediants, which are typical elements found in Radiohead’s music.

The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII).
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In the listed progression, Bb Major and D Major are borrowed chords from the parallel minor (A minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

John Lennon’s “Imagine” shares a similar use of the IV and bVII chords found in “Good Vibrations.” Here’s the chord progression –

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C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (VII/bIII), Am (vi).
“`

Note the Lennon song’s use of the IV chord as well as the bVII just like “Good Vibrations”. In “Imagine”, John Lennon uses these chords to create a dreamy, thoughtful atmosphere.

Musical Analysis

“Good Vibrations” is a great example of the Beach Boys’ harmonically adventurous style. The progression begins regularly, but the use of borrowed chords Bb major and D Major creates noticeable color. Using these borrowed chords, Brian Wilson achieves a modal mixture, borrowing from the parallel minor. The key modulation seen when shifting from F Major to G Major to A Major is an unexpected twist, adding to the song’s complexities.

Overall Analysis

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

Style Analysis

The Beach Boys favor intricate harmonies and complex compositional structure, reflective of their primary songwriter, Brian Wilson’s, background in jazz and classical music. Their music features extensive use of extended harmony, borrowed chords, and modulations.

Chords in the Chorus section of Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys are:

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]