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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The outro of ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles is a prime example of a repeated chord progression, specifically a repeated loop of D-C-G-D. This progression is repeated throughout the last significant section of the song, often referred to as the “na na na” section, essentially becoming a kind of mantra or chant that brings the song to a sustained and palpable resolution.

“And I Love Her” is a masterful composition by The Beatles that beautifully demonstrates their ability to mix pop songwriting with complexities of harmonic journey. The song is in the key of E Major, which is unique for being a popular song written by the Beatles in a major key. The main repeating chord progression of the Verse 3 is a progression that modulates between F# minor (the relative minor of A Major, which is the subdominant of E Major), and C# minor (the relative minor of E Major, the original key). The progression’s use of E6 at the end, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor), adds a unique flavor of sixth interval. Finally, it concludes on E6, a somewhat uncommon way to ground a song within a major key.

The interlude of Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” is in the key of G Major, and features a four-chord progression that repeats itself twice (Em-Am-D-G). The sequence follows a vi-ii-V-I progression, which is a very common progression in pop and rock music.

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that is well-known for its distinctive and mysterious sound. This interlude, in particular, creates a sense of tension and resolution through its simple but effective chord progression. The overall harmonic structure is built on a modal mixture, drawing from both the major and minor modes, which contributes to its unique atmosphere.

The song “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles is known for its unique and striking musical features. The chord progression in the interlude, in particular, represents an example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to harmonic structure and tonal movement. This section is essentially a sequence of dominant-seventh chords that each resolve to the note a fifth below, a common harmonic progression known as the circle of fifths. The interlude features a prominent orchestral crescendo and transition that are hallmarks of the Beatles’ experimental approach to the use of orchestral instruments in rock music.

The Beatles – Hey Jude – Interlude

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘A7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

In the key of D:
– D (I)
– D7 (V7 of IV)
– A7 (V7)

“`code
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.

Chords in the Interlude section of Hey Jude by The Beatles are:

[‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘A7’]