Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is particularly interesting for its use of key changes and borrowed chords. It reflects both the catchy driving pop rock melody signature of early Beatles and the sophistication of harmonic innovation, which defines their later work.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.

Verse 2

**

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has an interesting chord progression, particularly in the bridge, which adopts a distinct pattern of E, A, C, G repeatedly. This song is classified under Industrial Rock and utilizes repetition impressively to create a sense of monotony and frustration, akin to the lyrical theme.

**

The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

“Girl” by The Beatles is a classic example of their use of chromatic harmony and modal interchange. The chord progression shows complexity in both its chord choices and structure, a distinguishing feature in much of their music. By closely examining this piece, we can better understand The Beatles’ harmonic technique where they blend the techniques of classical music (like chromaticism and harmonic diversity) with pop songwriting.

The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Bridge

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘Dm7’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

**

Here is a chord progression analysis of the bridge. We’ll assume that the song is in the key of G Major:

Dm7 (‘ii7’), G (‘V’), C (‘IV’), Am (‘ii’), Dm7 (‘ii7’), G (‘V’), C (‘IV’), C (‘IV’), C (‘IV’), D (‘V’), C (‘IV’), C (‘IV’), D (‘V’), C (‘IV’), C (‘IV’), D (‘V’)

**

Similar Chord Progressions

**

1. Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” is similar to the bridge of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in that it uses a IV – V progression.

Chord progression: C – D – Em (‘IV – V – vi’ in G Major)

2. In Billy Joel’s “Vienna” the IV chord is held twice just like in the bridge of “I Want To Hold Your Hand”.

Chord progression: D – G – C – C (‘V – I – IV – IV’ in G Major)

These musicians, like The Beatles, often played with harmonic expectations to create fresh and engaging music.

Musical Analysis

**

The bridge starts off with a ii7 – V – IV in G major, which moves to a ii in the key of C major. This represents a harmonic surprise as one might expect a V – I cadence in G major. This pattern is then repeated, but instead of returning to ii in C, it stays on the IV chord, C, with alternating V (D) and IV (C) chords. This creates tension, as the expectation of a V – I resolution in G major is thwarted twice, keeping the listener engaged before returning to song’s main key.

Borrowed chords:

“`
Dm7 (‘ii7’) from C major
Am (‘ii’) from C major
“`

**

Overall Analysis

**

The Beatles were known for their innovative use of musical elements, and this can be seen in “I Want To Hold Your Hand”. The song is largely in the key of G major, but it also has some borrowed chords from other keys. This variety creates a unique listening experience that keeps the song fresh.

**

Style Analysis

**

The Beatles were recognised for their tendency to use unexpected chord progressions that kept their music so engaging. The use of borrowed chords and surprising harmonic movements such as the ii7 – V – IV instead of a V – I cadence contributed to their unique sound and keeps the listener engaged as traditional harmonic expectations are thwarted.

**

Chords in the Bridge section of I Want To Hold Your Hand by The Beatles are:

[‘Dm7’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘D’]