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“Come Together”, released by The Beatles in 1969 on their Abbey Road album, is a rock song known for its catchy bass-line, cryptic lyrics and iconic chorus. It’s written in D minor key, a common key in rock music. Across the progression, there is not only an interesting mix of different chords but also a novel use of borrowed chords that play a significant role in making the song mysterious, intriguing, and unique.

“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.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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The chord progression in the verse of “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis showcases a mix of diatonic and chromatic harmony. The progression is built around the key of G Major and has a strong Latin and jazz-influenced sound. The use of extended chords like Gmaj7 and Em9 adds depth and sophistication to the harmony, while the non-diatonic B7 contributes to the tension and resolution.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

The Beatles – Come Together – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Dm’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression of Verse 1 along with the full chord names and their roman numerals:

D minor (i)
D minor (i)
A major (V)
G major (IV)

Every chord exists naturally in the key of D minor, thus there are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival has similar chord progression:
D major (I)
A major (V)
G major (IV)
D major (I)

2. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses also shares a similar progression in the verse:
D major (I)
C major (bVII)
G major (IV)
D major (I)

This analysis only covers Verse 1 of the song, but the overall structure and progression vary throughout, with the use of the chords Bm and Bm/A making appearances in other parts of the song, enhancing its overall complexity and musical interest.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression’s unique character stems from its repetition and simplicity. The repeated D minor chord emphasizes the overall tonal center of the song. The A major to G major progression is a characteristic example of a V-IV cadence in minor, which creates an unresolved tension. The harmonic rhythm is consistent, with each chord receiving equal duration, lending to the steady and hypnotic groove of the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Come Together” is influenced by blues and rock and roll. Its simple and repetitive chord progression are features commonly found in these genres. The straightforward progression also serves as a background for the complex vocal melody and the signature bass line. The Beatles often employed standard rock/pop chords, but would arrange them in often unexpected and innovative ways.

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

[‘Dm’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]