The Beatles – Hey Jude – Chorus
Hey Jude < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
D Dominant 7th (V7 of IV), G
major (IV),
B minor (vi),
E minor (ii),
G major (IV),
A dominant 7th (V7),
D major (I),
D dominant 7th (V7 of IV),
G major (IV),
B minor (vi),
E minor (ii),
G major (IV),
A dominant 7th (V7),
D major (I)
“`
Borrowed chords: [‘D7’, ‘A7’]
Similar Chord Progressions
The Rolling Stones’ anthem “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” deploys a similar progression.
Chords: [‘C’, ‘F’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘D’]
“`
C Major (I),
F Major (IV),
D minor (ii),
G major (V),
C Major (I),
C Major (I),
F Major (IV),
D minor (ii)
“`
Brian Wilson’s “God Only Knows” from the Beach Boys also uses this technique of mixing major and minor keys.
Chords: [‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Gm’, ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘A’]
“`
A Major (I),
F# minor (vi),
B minor (ii),
G Major (IV of IV, borrowed chord),
G minor (iv of IV, borrowed chord),
D Major (IV), E dominant 7th (V7),
A Major (I)
“`
Borrowed Chords: [‘G’, ‘Gm’]
Musical Analysis
Notably, the tune frequently switches to the IV (four) chord of G major and the V7 (five-seven) of A dominant 7th, creating a unique major/minor interplay, common in many rock and folk songs.
Overall Analysis
“Hey Jude” goes through a clear progression, switching through the keys of D major, A major and G major. Like many Beatles songs, it cleverly varies between these keys in keeping with the melody and mood of the piece. The complexity of this progression is part of the song’s charm and helps exemplifies the band’s creative approach to composition.
Style Analysis
“Hey Jude” is known for its anthemic, singalong style, bolstered by the repetitive but emotionally resonant chord progression. The progression’s simple repetition and strong resolution (from the V7 to the I) lends the song a hopeful, uplifting atmosphere.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Hey Jude – Chorus?
[‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’]
