The Beatles – Hey Jude – Interlude
Hey Jude < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘A7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
In the key of D:
– D (I)
– D7 (V7 of IV)
– A7 (V7)
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Borrowed Chord: None
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Similar Chord Progressions
One band that have been heavily influenced by The Beatles is Oasis. Their song “Don’t Look Back In Anger” has a similar progression. In the key of C:
– C (I)
– C7 (V7 of IV)
– G (V)
This progression mirrors the basic structure of the “Hey Jude” progression, with a IV chord (in this case, G), acting as a pivot between the initial I chord and the dominant. The initial tonic-dominant relationship is subverted, with a temporary modulation to F being suggested by the C7 chord. This mirrors the use of secondary dominants in “Hey Jude”.
Musical Analysis
The progression starts with a D major chord (the tonic) which sets the mood. The D7 chord is the secondary dominant of G, making it a strong setup for a potential IV chord. However, instead of resolving to G, it returns to A7 (the dominant). This clever use of harmony defies our expectations, creating a momentary modulation. A7 then naturally leads back to D, creating a sense of completeness.
Overall Analysis
“Hey Jude,” written by The Beatles, charts a classic journey from tonic to dominant, with a detour through the subdominant and the minor dominant. It starts with a D chord (I), moves onto A (V), then A7 (V7) and back to D (I). The interlude features the progression D (I) – D7 (I7) – A7 (V7). This clever progression creates a momentary modulation to the key of G with the D7 chord, creating an interesting harmonic shift.
Style Analysis
Hey Jude is often admired for its inspired, yet straightforward progressions. The Beatles often used basic diatonic progressions as the basis of their tracks, infusing them with interesting harmonic shifts such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords. This particular progression underpins the song’s interlude, marking an important structural and textural shift within the song.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Hey Jude – Interlude?
[‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘A7’]
