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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“In My Life” is a song by The Beatles from the 1965 album Rubber Soul. It is written in the key of A Major, beloved for its introspective lyrics and harmonic structure. The chord progression is complex and contains several borrowed chords and secondary dominants, displaying an impressive use of tonality that is characteristic of the band’s sophisticated songwriting.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is an eclectic and elegant piece of music evident in its rhythm, harmony, melody, and lyrics. It is predominantly in the key of A Major, but it has several key changes and introduces chords that are non-diatonic, giving it a progressive and unexpected feel.

The intro of “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a simple, yet effective chord progression in the key of C major. The progression starts on the tonic, moves to a first inversion of a G6 chord, followed by an A minor chord, and finally back to the first inversion of the G6 chord. The progression has a circular nature, which adds to the song’s catchiness and memorability.

“This Masquerade” by George Benson is a jazz/R&B fusion piece with a smooth and laid-back feel. It features a slightly chromatic and sophisticated chord progression, complete with altered extensions and slash chords, resulting in a rich harmonic texture that is both soulful and intricate. The progression has some similarities to other jazz and R&B chord progressions used by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan), and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

The chord progression in the intro of “Loner” by Kali Uchis is a mixture of simple diatonic harmony and some more complex non-diatonic chords, which creates a jazzy and ethereal atmosphere. It is a 4-chord progression that resolves on F#m, making it a loop. The style of this progression is reminiscent of the Neo-Soul genre, and it can be found in some other songs across various musical styles.

The Beatles – In My Life – Intro

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Chord Progression

A, E

Chord Progression Analysis

Here are the full chord names, their roman numerals, and borrowed chords indication:

A Major (‘I’)
E Major (‘V’)
A Major (‘I’)
E Major (‘V’)
F# Minor (‘vi’)
A7/G (‘V7/IV’) – borrowed from D Major
D Major (‘IV’)
D Minor (‘iv’) – borrowed from A Minor
..and so on..

The borrowed chords in this progression are:
A7/G (V7/IV) – Borrowed from D major
D Minor (iv) – Borrowed from A minor

Similar Chord Progressions

The chord progression of “In My Life” is a twist on a common pop progression, and many songs have similar elements:

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles also employs the use of a descending progression.
2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin uses a similar chromatic bass movement.
3. “Fix You” by Coldplay: The chords in the chorus (F#m – D – A – E), although in a different key, resemble the first four chords of “In My Life” (A – E – F#m – A7/G).

Please, note that the Beatles’ unique treatment of chord progression and song structure sets “In My Life” apart, making it a unique piece despite the shared traits with other songs.

Musical Analysis

A significant point in the song is its use of modal interchange, otherwise known as borrowed chords. The progression starts using diatonic chords within A Major, and then borrows two chords: A7/G, the dominant seventh of the IV (D Major), and D minor, borrowed from the parallel minor key (A minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds a sense of tension and emotional color to the melody.

This song also makes use of the descending bass line movement in the progression F# minor – A7/G – D – D minor. This generates anticipation and provides a nice resolution when it leads back to the A Major chord.

Overall Analysis

“In My Life” by The Beatles is in A Major key, and it makes use of both diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The song is notable for its use of various chord trickery such as modal borrowing, secondary dominant, and chromatic bass movement. Additionally, the song is filled with the Beatles’ signatures: a mix of major and minor chords and the use of the VI-IV progression.

Style Analysis

The Beatles’ style in “In My Life” reflects their knack for blending styles and musical innovation. The usage of major and minor chords in one progression mixed with the Beatles’ signature style of storytelling with the melody gives off an emotional and evocative feeling, which is a characteristic trait in their music.

The progression also employs a standard VI-IV progression found in much of pop music. The usage of this common pop music progression, mixed with modal interchange and the chromatic bass movement gives the song an interesting twist, making it a great example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to songwriting.

Chords in the Intro section of In My Life by The Beatles are:

A, E