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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.

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The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

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“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones is a rock ballad with a minor tonality and is composed in the key of G major. The song incorporates the use of modal interchange, more commonly referred to as borrowed chords, from the parallel minor. This common technique in rock music contributes to the melancholic and emotionally resonant feeling of the song.

** The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton sports a simple yet effective chord progression. The entire song is in the key of C major / A minor (they share the same key signature), with a clear preference for the darker minor tones over the light major tones. This song is a great example of the use of simple chord structures and progressions to evoke emotive sensations.

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This chord progression is in the key of Am. The work can be seen as a mix of the Western tonal harmony, incorporating the use of inversions alongside nondiatonic chords. Tame Impala employs the elements of neo-psychedelia with unique chord progressions and arrangements. The alteration between two chords creates a revolving feeling, reinforcing the title “alter ego”.

The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, D, G, Em, C, D, B7, C, D, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

The chorus of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” goes as follow, in the key of G major:

C Major (IV), D Major (V), G Major (I), E minor (vi), C Major (IV), D Major (V), B7 Dominant 7 (III7), C Major (IV), D Major (V), C Major (IV), G Major (I)

Please note that the B7 chord can be seen as a secondary dominant of the E minor chord.

Music Theory
Borrowed Chord: None

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Sam’s Town” by The Killers uses a similar IV-V-I progression, but in a more rock-influenced context. The progression in the key of B Major:
E Major (IV), F# Major (V), B Major (I), G#m (vi), E Major (IV), F# Major (V), D#7 (III7), F# Major (V)

2. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars also uses a similar IV-V-I progression, but in a more contemporary pop context. The progression in the key of F Major:
Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), F Major (I), Dm (vi), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), A7 (III7), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I)

This kind of progression is common in pop music due to the strong resolution of the IV-V-I movement, and the use of a secondary dominant to create extra harmonic interest. The Beatles’ impact on popular music can be clearly seen in these songs which incorporate this progression.

Musical Analysis

The chorus starts with a IV-V-I progression, quite a standard in pop music as it gives the effect of “returning home”, creating a resolution. This creates a feel of happiness and optimism, which complements the lyrical content of the song. Following the G Major, the progression moves to E minor adding a touch of melancholy then goes back to the IV-V progression, indicating a resolution. The B7 acts as a Dominant 7 of the iii chord, adding tension and preparing the listener for the return to the IV-V progression, and finally concluding at the “home” chord, G Major.

Overall Analysis

The song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is cheerful and upbeat, with accessible melodies that catch the audience’s attention immediately. The rhythm is contagious and gives a happy atmosphere to the whole song. It is a perfect example of the early influences of rock ‘n’ roll on The Beatles, with a chord progression that is quite common in pop/rock music but showcases The Beatles’ ability to create fresh and unique melodic ideas.

Style Analysis

This left turn into minor key followed by the secondary dominant is a hallmark of Beatles music, showing their ability to add structural complexity and unpredictability within the confines of pop music. This also shows their early affinity for mixing major and minor keys to create distinct flavors.

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

C, D, G, Em, C, D, B7, C, D, C, G