The Beatles – I Am The Walrus – Pre-Chorus 2
I Am The Walrus < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘Dadd9/F#’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘F’, ‘B7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Based on the chords of Pre-Chorus 2 given, the sequence in the key of A major would be:
Chord Progression:
A (I)
A/G (I/♭VII)
Dadd9/F# (IV/VII)
F (♭VI)
G (♭VII)
A (I)
A/G (I/♭VII)
F (♭VI)
B7 (II7)
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Code Block:
The chords `F (♭VI)` and `G (♭VII)` are borrowed chords from A minor key.
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Similar Chord Progressions
The following songs have similar chord progressions which incorporate modal mixtures and use of secondary dominant chords:
– “This Love” by Maroon 5: Cm (i) – B (V/♭VI) – Ab (♭VI) – Bb (♭VII) – Eb (♭III) – Bb (♭VII)
– “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” by Michael Jackson: Db (I) – Db/C (I/VII) – Gbadd9/Eb (IV/I) – Bb minor (♭VI) – Ab/C (V/iii) – Db (I)
– “Creep” by Radiohead: G (I) – G/F# (I/VII) – B (V/ii) – C (IV) – Cm (iv)
Most of these chord progressions involve modal mixture and dominant chords, much like “I Am The Walrus”. By studying these examples, one can see how common it is in pop/rock music to “borrow” chords from a parallel key to incorporate fresh and unique sounds.
Musical Analysis
The chromatic descent A – A/G in the bass part draws attention and adds tension. Additionally, the add9 in the Dadd9/F# chord expands its color and suggests a sense of resolution after the extension to the IV Δ chord. The F and G from A minor key give the progression a modal mixture touch, bringing unexpected harmonic surprises. Ending on B7 leaves the pre-chorus unresolved, increasing the anticipation of what comes next.
Overall Analysis
“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles is a song that stands out because of its unique chord progressions and thematic material. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is particularly captivating and somehow unusual compared to common pop/rock tunes.
Style Analysis
The Beatles have always been known for their innovativeness and adventure into unusual harmonic content. The modal mixture and unexpected harmonic shifts in this song, including the ending on a secondary dominant chord, are typical of their versatility and distinctive sound.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – I Am The Walrus – Pre-Chorus 2?
[‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘Dadd9/F#’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘F’, ‘B7’]
