The Beatles – A Hard Days Night – Solo
A Hard Days Night < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
**
The Solo is a common pop music progression I, II, V, I, V in the key of G major, making it recognizable and easy on the ears. This particular chord progression can be seen in many popular music songs and is very effective in catchy, single-like songs.
Here are the full chord names and their roman numerals for the solo:
– C Major (‘IV’)
– D (Dominant) Major (‘V’)
– G (Tonic) Major (‘I’)
– C Major (‘IV’)
– G Major (‘I’)
“`
IV -> V -> I -> IV -> I
C Major -> D Major -> G Major -> C Major -> G Major
“`
**
Similar Chord Progressions
**
The I-IV-V chord progression used in this Beatles song can be found in countless other pop and rock songs.
– ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley & The Wailers uses a similar chord progression in the verses:
“`
I -> IV -> V
A Major -> D Major -> E Major
“`
– ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd also follows a similar pattern:
“`
I -> IV -> V
D Major -> G Major -> A Major
“`
– ‘Louie Louie’ by The Kingsmen is based on the same progression:
“`
I -> IV -> V
A Major -> D Major -> E Major
“`
Musical Analysis
**
There is a direct transition from a major key (G) to its relative minor (Em), which adds tonal contrast. The presence of the borrowed chords, including the ‘IV’ or the sub-dominant (C Major) and dominant ‘V’ (D Major), brings added layers of tension and resolution in the song.
The alternation between the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords creates a catchy and repetitive rhythm that is characteristic of most Beatles songs. The D Major chord adds a bright and upbeat twist to the overall progression.
**
Overall Analysis
**
The overall chord progression of “A Hard Days Night” by The Beatles fluctuates between major and minor keys which adds a level of emotional complexity to the song. The use of borrowed chords and unique transitions makes it a noteworthy piece in the realm of 20th-century popular music.
**
Style Analysis
**
“A Hard Day’s Night” contains all the hallmarks of classic Beatles songwriting. There’s the catchy melody, great vocal harmonies, and rich, sophisticated chord progressions. Despite being an upbeat pop song, the unique and clever use of chord progressions gives the song an increased level of sophistication and depth.
The solo maintains the pop style by utilizing common progressions but cleverly changes the order and timing to add interest.
**
What are the chords in: The Beatles – A Hard Days Night – Solo?
[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’]
