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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.

Verse 2

The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.

“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.

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle frequently uses the chord progression [‘B’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’] in the key of E major. When viewing the chords through the lens of E major we can identify the chord progression as ii, ii, V, I. Furthermore, It shows some interesting harmonic decisions throughout. Most notably, the band makes use of borrowed chords which are chords taken from the parallel minor (in this case E minor). Here, the borrowed chords include A major and C major.

The Beatles – Because – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#m7b5’, ‘G#7/D#’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘A9’, ‘A13’, ‘D’, ‘Ddim7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Because’ chords are as follows:
C# Minor (‘i’)
C# Minor (‘i’)
D#m7b5 (‘iiø7th’)
G#7/D# (‘V7/ii’)
A major (‘VI’)
C#m (‘i’)
A9 (‘VI9’)
A13 (‘VI13’)
D major (‘bVII’)
Ddim7 (‘viio’)

“`shell
Borrowed chords: D major (‘bVII’ from parallel major), Ddim7 (‘viio’ from relative major)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

While it’s hard to find identical chord progressions due to the Beatles’ unique complexity, similar exploration of harmony can be found in various pieces by other artists who also explored the boundary of conventional pop songwriting. An example is the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”, which uses many secondary dominants and borrowed chords as well.

Chords in “God Only Knows” are as follows: A (‘I’), E/G# (‘V6’), F#m7 (‘vi7’), D9/A (‘IV9/6’), G7/F (‘bVII7/4’), Am7 (‘v7’, borrowed from parallel minor), D13/A (‘IV13/6’), E7/G# (‘V7/6’), C#m7 (‘iii7’), F#13/B (‘vi13/6’), B7/Ab (‘V7/2’), Emaj7 (‘VII7’, borrowed from lydian).

Musical Analysis

The G#7/D# is a secondary dominant leading to the A major, treating A major as if it were the tonic momentarily (tonicization). The A9 and A13 further embellish the A major chord, adding complexity and color to the harmony. The D major introduces a brief modulation to the parallel major key, before leading to the Ddim7, which acts as a leading tone to the tonic chord, C#m.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of “Because” by The Beatles demonstrates the band’s profound exploration of harmony. The song starts in the key of C# minor, revolves around this key, and includes various modulations and tonicizations to explore chords beyond the key. It heavily employs secondary dominants and borrowed chords, particularly the diminished 7th chords, which is not uncommon in Beatles’s songs. The chord progression has a dreamy and fluid flow due to these harmonic explorations.

Style Analysis

The Beatles, specifically George Martin and Paul McCartney, were well-known for their use of more complex harmonies beyond simple pop structures. “Because” embodies their late style, heavily influenced by classical music (especially Baroque and Romantic periods). The use of complex harmony throughout this song is distinct, utilizing secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished seventh chords, adding an intricate depth and fluidity to their songwriting.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Because by The Beatles are:

[‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#m7b5’, ‘G#7/D#’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘A9’, ‘A13’, ‘D’, ‘Ddim7’]