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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Paper Tiger” can be considered a combination of common and non-diatonic chords. The progression moves from a major chord to its dominant 7th and then resolves to the relative minor. Stylistically, this progression is used in rock, pop, and jazz music to create tension and resolution while maintaining a sense of movement or flow.

The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock ballad written in the key of F major, based around a somewhat simple, yet effective, chord progression. There are a few borrowed chords and modulations that add to the harmonic complexity and characteristic guitar work by Hendrix. The song’s structure consists of a verse, followed by a brief pre-chorus, and a chorus before repeating.

The Beatles – I Will – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G(sus4)’]

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I)’, ‘Am (vi)’, ‘Dm7 (ii7)’, ‘G7 (V7)’, ‘C (I)’, ‘Am (vi)’, ‘Em (iii)’, ‘C7 (I7)’, ‘F (IV)’, ‘G (V)’, ‘Am (vi)’, ‘C7 (I7)’, ‘F (IV)’, ‘G (V)’, ‘C (I)’, ‘Am (vi)’, ‘Dm7 (ii7)’, ‘G(sus4) (Vsus4)’

Borrowed Chords:
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‘C7 (I7)’
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Similar Chord Progressions

One common progression that shares some similarities with “I Will” is the progression used in “Earth Angel” by The Penguins:

‘Eb (I)’, ‘Bb/D (V/iii)’, ‘Cm7 (ii7)’, ‘F7 (V7)’, ‘Bb (IV)’, ‘Eb (I)’, ‘Bb/D (V/iii)’, ‘Ab (bVII)’, ‘Eb (I)’

The key difference here is a bVII (Ab) chord, which acts as a borrowed chord from the key of Eb minor. It sidesteps the expected V chord and leads back to the I chord for the next repetition of the progression. This chord, similar to the borrowed chords in ‘I Will’, gives the progression an added color and complexity.

Musical Analysis

The underlying structure of ‘I Will’ showcases an interesting use of several common progressions and cadences within the key of C major. The use of a I-vi-ii-V cycle provides a strong forward momentum to the progression, propelling it towards the repetition. The I7 (C7) chord is a secondary dominant, specifically a V/IV that serves as a pivot chord to introduce the IV (F) chord. This adds an unexpected twist that enhances the harmonic interest of the song.

Overall Analysis

The song “I Will” by The Beatles is an example of their unique and sophisticated approach to pop songwriting, demonstrating their comprehensive mastery of harmony within the pop idiom. The majority of the harmonies used in the song are diatonic to the key of C major, however there are several instances of borrowed chords that add color and complexity to the song’s overall harmonic structure.

Style Analysis

The Beatles’ “I Will” is marked by its simplicity and economy. Its chord progression echoes a familiar rock/pop tradition but does so with an inventiveness that betrays the group’s strong understanding of harmonic function. The occasional unexpected modulations and heavily syncopated vocal melodies give the song a unique twist within the pop genre.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of I Will by The Beatles are:

[‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘Dm7’, ‘G(sus4)’]