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“Let It Be” by The Beatles uses some of the most common chords in the key of C Major, which is the tonic of the song. It also contains few instances of chord extensions, inversions, and secondary dominants, which are widely used in pop music composition.

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The Beatles were known for their innovative use of musical elements, and this can be seen in “I Want To Hold Your Hand”. The song is largely in the key of G major, but it also has some borrowed chords from other keys. This variety creates a unique listening experience that keeps the song fresh.

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“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is a harmonically adventurous piece with an unconventional structure that features a mixture of modal and borrowed chords. The piece has an impressionistic quality influenced by classical lineage, while also regularly employing electronic and synthesized sounds.

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle frequently uses the chord progression [‘B’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’] in the key of E major. When viewing the chords through the lens of E major we can identify the chord progression as ii, ii, V, I. Furthermore, It shows some interesting harmonic decisions throughout. Most notably, the band makes use of borrowed chords which are chords taken from the parallel minor (in this case E minor). Here, the borrowed chords include A major and C major.

The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

The Beatles – Let It Be – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
Am/G (vi/IV)
Fmaj7 (IV)
F6 (IV-v6)
C (I)
G (V)
F (IV)
C/E (I-vi)
Dm7 (ii7)
C (I)
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
Am/G (vi/IV)
Fmaj7 (IV)
F6 (IV-v6)
C (I)
G (V)
F (IV)
C/E (I-vi)
Dm7 (ii7)
C (I)
“`
Chords borrowed from other keys are labeled within the code block, namely Am/G, F6, and C/E. These chords add richness to the sound due to their harmonics and pitch diversity.

Similar Chord Progressions

One song with similar chord progressions is “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley and the chord progressions in the song can be demonstrated just like we did for “Let It Be”:
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
F (IV)
C (I)
F (IV)
C (I)
G (V)
“`
This song also utilizes a IV-I-V-vi chord progression, which is very common in pop music. The progression is known for its strong sense of resolution and tonal centering. Other songs with similar structures include Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”, U2’s “With or Without You”, and “Let It Go” from the Disney film Frozen.

Musical Analysis

“Let It Be” features an even meter with a smooth, flowing rhythm. The steady use of bass notes throughout anchors the harmony and shows harmonic enrichment by the use of more complex chords, which often lead to the tonic for resolution.

The use of harmony in “Let It Be” reflects the folk and rock ‘n’ roll influences evident in many of The Beatles’ works. The song leans on major and minor triads, punctuated with the flavorful usage of the 6th and 7th.

Overall Analysis

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

Style Analysis

“Let It Be” is distinctly in The Beatles’ style, drawing from pop, rock ‘n’ roll and folk traditions. The song is characterized by its memorable melody, emotive lyrics, and the creative use of chord progressions and harmonies, resulting in a unique, engaging sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Let It Be by The Beatles are:

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am/G’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘F6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘Dm7’, ‘C’]