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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“Here, There and Everywhere” is a Beatles song from the album “Revolver”, released in 1966. The song is in the key of G major and showcases an advanced use of borrowed chords and modulations, a topic that contributes to the originality of this song. McCartney credited the song’s structure of changing key to Brian Wilson’s influence in the same period.

The chord progression throughout this verse of Beck’s “Lost Cause” is predominantly in the key of F Major with some chords from its relative minor (D minor). The use of borrowed chords adds variety and color to the progression, and the alternation between F major and C major chords creates a strong sense of tonality and grounding in the key of F Major. The use of Am and E7 chords provides a brief tension and leaning toward the parallel key of F minor before resolving back to the original key. This adds interest and complexity to the otherwise straightforward progression.

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“Zombie” by The Cranberries features a relatively commonly used chord progression in pop/rock music, often referred to as a ‘vi-IV-I-V’ progression. This chord progression, in this particular case, is in the key of G Major and is made up of four chords: Em, C, G, and D/F#.

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The chord progression in Verse 1 of “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is in the key of C Major. The progression is quite simple and common, but it includes an interesting borrowed chord to provide extra color. This can be described as a mix of pop and rock idioms.

Chord Progression Analysis (with full chord names and Roman numerals):

C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)

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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression
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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’]