The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby – Verse 3
Eleanor Rigby < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The verse 3 uses a repetitive I-♭VI-I sequence with an overall key of E minor.
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E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)
E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)
E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)
E minor (‘I’)
C major (‘♭VI’)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “All Along The Watchtower” by Bob Dylan also oscillates between two chords (Am and G) which creates a feeling of tension and unease.
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A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)
A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)
A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)
A minor (‘I’)
G major (‘♭VII’)
“`
2. “With or Without You” by U2 has a chord progression of D – A – Bm – G, repeating throughout the song, a technique called an ostinato.
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D major (‘I’)
A major (‘V’)
B minor (‘vi’)
G major (‘IV’)
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Musical Analysis
The Em chord gives a melancholic and dark feeling while the C chord provides some relief with a relatively more uplifting tone. However, the rapid alternation between these two chords imparts an overall feeling of complexity and melancholy which is in line with the song’s lyrical content about loneliness and isolation.
Overall Analysis
“Eleanor Rigby” is known for its unusual and innovative use of the Aeolian mode, otherwise known as the natural minor scale, which is reflected in the chord progression Em – C. The song incorporates string arrangements and has a narrative, storytelling style. Unlike most pop and rock songs of the time, it does not contain drums or guitars. The chord utilization is simple with only two chords used throughout, Em and C, but it nevertheless creates a unique and haunting soundscape.
Style Analysis
“Eleanor Rigby” demonstrates an innovative use of the Aeolian mode in pop music. Its emotive use of strings and the two-chord progression successfully conveys a melancholic atmosphere. The song doesn’t have a traditional chorus and is more similar to classical compositions or folk storytelling. The Beatles’ ability to create a unique musical landscape with simple chords illustrates their pioneering genius in songwriting.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby – Verse 3?
[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Em’]
