The Beatles – Girl – Bridge
Girl < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
`’Em’ (iii), ‘B’ (VI), ‘Em’ (iii), ‘B’ (VI), ‘Em’ (iii), ‘B’ (VI), ‘Em’ (iii), ‘G’ (V)`
Here’s the analysis of the bridge:
Em is the iii chord in the key of B minor.
B is the VI chord in B minor, borrowed from B major through modal interchange.
G is the V chord in B minor, borrowed again from B major – this is a common chord to borrow as it can lead back to the tonic nicely.
Similar Chord Progressions
A similar piece with borrowed chords can be found in the Beatles’ own song, “Yesterday”. The chord progression in “Yesterday” is similar in that it has a key shift borrowing chords from its parallel major key. The progression in “Yesterday” is often written as `’F’ (I), ‘Em7’ (vii), ‘A7’ (III), ‘Dm’ (vi)`.
Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” also employs a similar technique, where the chord of Bb acts as the borrowed chord from the parallel major in the midst of what is primarily an F song. This progression typically looks like `’F’ (I), ‘G’ (II), ‘Ab’ (IIIb), ‘Bb’ (IV)`.
Musical Analysis
The bridge in “Girl” consists of a iii-VI-iii-VI progression followed by a iii-V progression. This progression involves the heavy use of the minor iii chord, which creates a deeply melancholic mood compared to other minor chords, which can convey a more dramatic or intense emotional tone. The back-and-forth music efficiently balances the melancholic iii chord with the lighter and more optimistic major VI chord. The Beatles often utilize this balance between major and minor throughout their music. In addition, interval jumps from iii to VI and then to V also make the bridge sound interesting and less predictable.
Overall Analysis
“Girl” by The Beatles is a classic example of their use of chromatic harmony and modal interchange. The chord progression shows complexity in both its chord choices and structure, a distinguishing feature in much of their music. By closely examining this piece, we can better understand The Beatles’ harmonic technique where they blend the techniques of classical music (like chromaticism and harmonic diversity) with pop songwriting.
Style Analysis
The Beatles frequently used chromaticism and borrowed chords in their music, and “Girl” is no exception. The VI and V chords are borrowed from the parallel major key, a technique characteristic of modal interchange. This harmonic language is common to both pop and classical music, and The Beatles mastered this technique. The sharp key changes and juxtaposition of major and minor chords help to create the tension and resolution that make their music meaningful and appealing.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Girl – Bridge?
[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’]
