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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.

This is a rich verse chord progression where The Beatles use diatonic and borrowed chords to enrich the melody. This progression follows their signature style of pop music with strong melodious and harmonic elements.

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is a pop ballad written in the key of G major. The progression makes traditional use of the G major chord scale with a notable exception of a borrowed chord A/C#.

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

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’]