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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“All My Loving” by The Beatles is a mid-tempo pop song written in the key of E minor for the verse and D Major for the bridge and outro, featuring a distinct, upbeat walking bassline. The grey, almost mournful verses, along with the brighter, major-toned bridges and chorus, create a juxtaposition of feelings within the piece. The bridge also highlights The Beatles’ use of secondary dominants and chromaticism. Concluding in the tonic key of D Major, the song has an interesting interplay between Em and D Major throughout, which could be perceived as a Em: i, VI, III, II and D: vi, V7, I, vi, IV, ii, I progression.

“Something” written by George Harrison from The Beatles majorly follows the key of C major and includes a few borrowed chords. There is a usage of secondary dominants and seventh chords which lend a harmonic complexity to the song. During the course of the song, the chords shift from the major scale to the parallel minor scale.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

“Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd is a classic progressive rock song from their 1979 concept album “The Wall”. It features unique chord progressions, ambient guitar tones, and an atmospheric vocal performance. This particular verse progression is inspired by the Dorian mode, contributing to its melancholic and introspective atmosphere.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

The Beatles – All My Loving – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Below is the chord progression analysis with full chord names and their associated roman numerals. Note that the chord names may appear differently based on the musical context but conform to the key of D Major:

“`
Em (ii), A7 (V7/ii), D (I), Bm (vi), G (IV), Em (ii), C (VII/bIII), A7 (V7/ii),
Em (ii), A7 (V7/ii), D (I), Bm (vi), G (IV), A (V), D (I).
“`

Note the ‘C’ appearing as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (D minor), as D Major does not traditionally include a C Major chord. Such use of borrowed chords adds extra flavor to the song’s harmonic texture.

Similar Chord Progressions

One song that comes to mind with a similar progression is “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson. The ii-V-I sequence, the borrowed chord, and the jazzy elements align closely with the progressions used in “All My Loving”.

Here is the chord progression of “Stolen Moments” in D Major:

“`
Dm7 (ii), G7 (V7/ii), Cmaj7 (I), A7b9 (vi7b9), Dm7(ii), G7 (V7/ii), Cmaj7(I), A7b9 (vi7b9).
“`

This progression also uses the ii-V-I sequence, a common borrowed chord (A7b9), and includes jazz influence through the 7th and extended chords.

Musical Analysis

This song immediately shows its depth with its chord sequences. The ii-V-I sequence beginning with Em-A7-D is a classic jazz progression and gives a strong sense of resolution. The inclusion of Bm introduces a sensitive tonality, while the G chord grounds the progression back in the predominant D Major key.

The use of the C chord as a borrowed chord adds a surprise element to the progression. Borrowed chords, typically from the parallel minor, add depth and unexpected color to the harmonic landscape. These techniques show the Beatles’ mastery in integrating sophisticated harmony in their accessible pop tunes.

Overall Analysis

“All My Loving” by the Beatles is a great example of their early ’60s pop style. This song’s verse chord progression is in the key of D Major with a mix of minor chords and 7th chords that add to the emotional intensity of the song. The composition blends pop simplicity with complex harmony, encapsulating the Beatles’ innovative songwriting.

Style Analysis

“All My Loving” captures the early Beatles’ style, with its catchy melody and harmony. The chord progression with its jazzy ii-V-I sequence and unexpected borrowed chord expresses a sense of longing and wistfulness that matches the lyrics beautifully.

The Beatles’ style often included such surprises, combining popular music structures with more sophisticated harmonic ideas from jazz and classical music, such as borrowed chords and modal interchange. This fusion created a unique sound that was easy to digest yet rich in content.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of All My Loving by The Beatles are:

[‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘D’]