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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles that showcases a variety of chord progressions, rhythmic sensibilities, and melodic explorations that are representative of their signature sound. The song’s structure presents a complex and unorthodox harmonic design that is characteristic of The Beatles’ later experimental phase.

The pre-chorus 1 [‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘Dadd9/F#’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘F’, ‘B7’] presents a series of descending bass notes provided by the root movement of these chords- from A to G (in ‘A/G’) to F# (in ‘Dadd9/F#’) and then repeated. This technique significantly enhances the melodic content of this progression. From a stylistic perspective, the song’s chord progression is enriched by the functional interplay of diatonic and non-diatonic elements over a changing tonal landscape.

“Something” written by George Harrison from The Beatles majorly follows the key of C major and includes a few borrowed chords. There is a usage of secondary dominants and seventh chords which lend a harmonic complexity to the song. During the course of the song, the chords shift from the major scale to the parallel minor scale.

“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

The bridge of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a blend of jazz, R&B, and pop elements. The harmonic progression showcases a series of descending chords, interspersed with borrowed chords that provide an interesting twist to the overall tonality of the piece.

The Beatles – I Am The Walrus – Bridge

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Chord Progression

[‘B’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘B7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

B(Major I), A(Major VII), G(Major VI), F(Major V), E(Major IV), F(Major V), B7(Dominant I)

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“Borrowed chord(s)”: The ‘F’, ‘F’ are borrowed chords from the parallel minor.
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Similar Chord Progressions

– Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” also uses a similar descending bassline progression.
– F(Major I), E(Major VII), D(Major VI), C(Major V), B(Major IV), C(Major V), B7(Dominant I)
– Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” also uses borrowed chords and varied key changes.
– G(Major I), F#(Major VII), E(Major VI), D(Major V), C#(Major IV), D(Major V), G7(Dominant I)

Please keep in mind that the naming of the Roman numeral progression varies, depending on the root, the scale and the chord in use.

Musical Analysis

The A to F segment in the verse follows a chromatic descending progression in the bass, which is a feature long employed in many pop songs but had only just emerged in Beatles’ songs at the time. The harmony in these verses mixs tonic (A) with IV (D), bVII (G), and bVI (F) in a closely related fashion.

The bridge, which you queried, does away with the A major key and instead presents a descending major scale starting on B Major, introducing harmonic tension with the surprising change. What’s unique here is the usage of B Major, which is a tritone away from the key of E (a non-diatonic motion).

Overall Analysis

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles in which the song varies in key and progressive elements, with fascinating uses of borrowed chords from parallel modes and chromatic bass motion. The melody resides predominantly within a pentatonic framework, frequently rotating around subversions. The Bridge section beautifully showcases Beatles’ experimentation with descending chord progression built around chromatic movement.

Style Analysis

Musically, “I Am The Walrus” reflects The Beatles’ renowned style of incorporating varied music styles, consisting of pop, art rock, and psychedelic music. The use of unusual chord progressions, borrowed chords, changing keys and tonalities, and electric instrumentation all contribute to the song’s unique sound. It’s an exemplar of their later period works where they pushed the boundaries of pop music into uncharted territory.

Chords in the Bridge section of I Am The Walrus by The Beatles are:

[‘B’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘B7’]