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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

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The song “Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles features a intriguing chord progression typically employed in blues and folk music that creates a captivating storytelling-style musical framework. The verse using the provided chords weaves an interesting tale via major and minor fluctuations giving an emotional depth to the lyrics.

“Sour Times” by Portishead is characterized by dark, brooding sounds and melancholic melodies that gives the song its distinct feel, largely due to the specific chord progression that is used throughout the song. Written in the key of E major, the song makes use of a diverse selection of chords that offers a wider blend of harmonic options to navigate through different moods and tonal landscapes.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a chorus that uses a sophisticated and intricate chord progression to drive the emotional depth and thematic elements of the song. This progression combines inversions and extensions to create a layered and textured musical atmosphere, reflecting the complexity of the song’s lyrics and enhancing its reflective nature.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós can be considered as being in the key of B Major, featuring a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords. The progression shows Sigur Rós’ signature atmospheric and emotive style, utilizing various harmonic techniques to create a lush chord progression.

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
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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’]