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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Let It Be” is one of The Beatles’ most popular songs and features a primarily major tonality (C Major), giving it its iconic uplifting and inspiring quality. The song’s chord progression is quite standard in terms of pop/rock music, yet it does include some interesting elements like inversions and a 7th chord to add variety and emotional depth.

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“Something” is composed in C Major; however, it modulates to several different keys. The song’s chord progression is relatively complex and less adherent to traditional tonality, typical of much of The Beatles’ work, particularly in their later years. Throughout the song, they make use of several common progressions, but with a few unique changes.

“Kiss” by Prince is a well-loved song known for its catchy tune and funky, upbeat style. The song is composed in the key of A major. However, it lacks typical diatonic major harmonies because Prince used power chords (fifth chords) instead of full major or minor chords. The progression is largely built around the ‘A5’ and ‘D5’ power chords, with the occasional ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ worked in to add some variation.

“Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song happy to embrace classical music tropes. An orchestral, string-heavy arrangement propels the song, surrounding the listener with a rich tapestry of sound. The grandiose sound of the full orchestra is bolstered by the band’s dual guitars and Billy Corgan’s characteristic singing.

The chord progression in the verse of Radiohead’s “Nude” sets a contemplative and emotive atmosphere. It features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which creates unexpected harmonic shifts that evoke feelings of melancholy. This distinctive harmonic language can be associated with the band’s signature moody sound and has been influential in the indie and alternative rock genres.

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’]