The Beatles – In My Life – Intro
In My Life < All Analyses
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..
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The borrowed chords in this progression are:
A7/G (‘V7/IV’) – Borrowed from D major
D Minor (‘iv’) – Borrowed from A minor
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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.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – In My Life – Intro?
[‘A’, ‘E’]
