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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles is a pure example of their early rock-and-roll style influenced by blues. It uses common chord progressions in rock and blues, such as the I-IV-V progression and the use of dominant 7th chords. The song is set in C major, and makes repeated use of the I-IV (C-F) progression. A significant feature in the song is the use of the dominant 7th chords (C7 and F7), which adds some bluesy quality to the song and also serves as a transition chord to the next chord in the progression.

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The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that features a well-known four-chord progression throughout the verses. This progression is G – B – C – Cm, which is often considered one of the factors that contribute to the song’s memorable and emotional quality. The chord progression helps create a melancholic and haunting atmosphere in the song. This song is notably influenced by alternative rock and grunge styles from the early 90s.

“I Am The Walrus” is a distinctive composition by the Beatles from their 1967 album “Magical Mystery Tour”. Known for its surreal lyrics and creative chord progression, the song displays the Beatles’ mastery of composition and their innovative use of harmony. The song features elements from psychedelic rock, a genre that the Beatles helped popularize during the mid-1960s.

“Come Together” by The Beatles, like many other Beatles songs, is known for its unique melody and innovative chord progressions. The song is written in the key of D minor and employs frequent use of bluesy pentatonic scale patterns. The meter is 4/4 (common time). The song is characterized by the use of common chords, with the exception of the Bm and Bm/A chords which are noteworthy.

The Beatles – Cant Buy Me Love – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘C7’, ‘F7’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

`C7 (V7/IV) –> F7 (IV7) –> C (I)`

These chords fit perfectly into the structure of the commonly used I-IV-V progression in classical and modern Western music. Yet, the inclusion of a dominant 7th chord on the tonic is quite unique.

In a Major key, a dominant seventh chord (V7) often leads to a resolution on the tonic (I) chord. Here, ‘F7’ (rather than ‘F’) serves as the IV chord, and is preceded by a secondary dominant (V7 of IV), ‘C7’, which creates a strong pull towards ‘F7’.

`Borrowed Chord: F7 (from C minor)`

The use of ‘F7’ (IV7), particularly, is an example of borrowed chord, often found in Blues and other types of music that incorporate blue notes. This chord is borrowed from C minor (the parallel minor of C Major).

Similar Chord Progressions

An example of another song that uses a similar approach through incorporation of secondary dominants and blues-oriented dominant 7th chords is The Beatles’ own “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (`D (I) –> G (IV) –> D (I) –> E7 (V7/IV) –> A7 (V7/V) –> D (I)`).

Aside from The Beatles, artists like Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly used dominant 7th chords frequently. A song like “Johnny B. Goode” (`Bb (I) –> Eb7 (IV7) –> Bb (I)`) or Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be The Day” (`A (I) –> D7 (IV7) –> E7 (V7) –> A (I)`) also share certain similarities with “Can’t Buy Me Love”.

Musical Analysis

The Beatles often incorporate elements of blues and jazz into their music, and “Can’t Buy Me Love” is no exception. The use of dominant 7th chords in the progression, particularly the secondary dominant and the borrowed chord from the parallel minor, adds to the bluesy feel of this song while still conforming to pop song structure norms.

Overall Analysis

“Can’t Buy Me Love” is a song in C Major. The Beatles were renowned for their use of a variety of chord progressions, and this song certainly lives up to that reputation. Although the progression in the verse primarily consists of the chords ‘C7’, ‘F7’, and ‘C’, it’s the way they are harmonically linked that makes it really interesting.

Style Analysis

This track is a blend of rock and roll and pop, with high-energy, uptempo rhythm and catchy melodies. It’s light-hearted and upbeat in terms of style, and the use of distinct chord progressions like a secondary dominant leading to a borrowed chord add a layer of complexity setting The Beatles’ work apart from many contemporaries.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Cant Buy Me Love by The Beatles are:

[‘C7’, ‘F7’, ‘C’]