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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.

The song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is cheerful and upbeat, with accessible melodies that catch the audience’s attention immediately. The rhythm is contagious and gives a happy atmosphere to the whole song. It is a perfect example of the early influences of rock ‘n’ roll on The Beatles, with a chord progression that is quite common in pop/rock music but showcases The Beatles’ ability to create fresh and unique melodic ideas.

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is a pop song that sits primarily in the key of G major, featuring four common chords: C Major, D Major, G Major, and E minor. The song’s simplicity lies in the consistent use of these chords, which creates a consistent harmony throughout the song.

The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.

Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song in A major key. The chord progression seems simple at first, with a repetitive motive throughout the verse but it creates a hypnotic effect that is very much in line with Tame Impala’s psychedelic style.

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’]