The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Verse 2
I Want To Hold Your Hand < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘B7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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G Major (I)
D Major (V)
E Minor (vi)
B Major (III – Borrowed Chord)
G Major (I)
D Major (V)
E Minor (vi)
B7 Major (III7 – Borrowed Chord)
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It starts with a common I-V-vi progression, which sets up a tonal center in G major. The B Major is a borrowed chord from parallel harmonic minor (G harmonic minor). This adds a sudden twist to the progression. The same progression repeats but this time ends with a B7, another borrowed chord that increases the tension and prepares the listener for a resolution or new section.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley shares a similar I-V-vi progression, although it does not venture into the usage of borrowed chords. This progression provides a repeating harmonic background throughout the song. It’s shown here in F major:
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F major (I)
C major (V)
D minor (vi)
Bb major (IV)
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2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey also employs a similar repetitious I-V-vi structure providing the song a recognizable harmonic background.
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E major (I)
B major (V)
C# minor (vi)
A major (IV)
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Though these songs do not use borrowed chords as “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, they share the classic pop-rock spirit of using the I-V-vi progression braiding it with their unique melodic lines.
Musical Analysis
The second verse of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” features a brief modulation to the dominant key (D major) marked by the usage of D as V between every chord. Moreover, the borrowed B and B7 chords are functioning as secondary dominants, they have a leading-tone quality that attempts to resolve to the next chord, which in turn creates both tension and resolution throughout the progression.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
The Beatles were known for their innovative and charismatic harmonies, this progression is exemplary of their style. They often used standard rock/pop chord progressions and punctuated them with surprising borrowed chords from related keys, adding variety and uniqueness to their music. The frequent V-I passages imbue their music with energy and expectancy.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Verse 2?
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘B7’]
