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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles features a popular song structure and a mix of common chord progression techniques. The distinct progressions within the verse repeat throughout the song, but the chords and structures themselves are fairly common within rock and pop music. It mixes the standard I-IV-V (in this case, D-A-G) progression with the ii-V-I progression (in this case, Em-A-D), both of which are staples of songwriting in a variety of genres.

“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.

The song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is cheerful and upbeat, with accessible melodies that catch the audience’s attention immediately. The rhythm is contagious and gives a happy atmosphere to the whole song. It is a perfect example of the early influences of rock ‘n’ roll on The Beatles, with a chord progression that is quite common in pop/rock music but showcases The Beatles’ ability to create fresh and unique melodic ideas.

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is a pop song by Elton John from the album “Caribou,” released in 1974. The song is set in the key of C Major, with some interesting chord changes and borrowed chords that are rich and reflective of Elton John’s unique harmonic style. The chorus especially impresses with unexpected chord shifts, demonstrating a sophisticated songwriting technique.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

The Beatles – Maxwells Silver Hammer – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘A7’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The chorus involves a repeated sequence of ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘A7’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’. In terms of Roman numeral analysis in the key of D major, the progression goes as follows:

– ‘D Major’ (‘I’)
– ‘E7’ (‘II7’)
– ‘A7’ (‘V7’)
– ‘E Minor’ (‘ii’)
– ‘A7’ (‘V7’)

“` Borrowed Chords: ‘E Minor’ (‘ii’) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (D minor).“`

Similar Chord Progressions

A song with a similar progression is “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. The chorus uses the progression ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘A’. In terms of Roman numeral analysis:

– ‘D Major’ (‘I’)
– ‘E minor’ (‘ii’)
– ‘Bm’ (‘iii’)
– ‘G Major’ (‘IV’)
– ‘D Major’ (‘I’)
– ‘E minor’ (‘ii’)
– ‘A Major’ (‘V’)

Here, there is also a movement from the tonic ‘I’ to the minor ‘ii’, similar to the structure in “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.” Both songs use this device to add a touch of emotion and tension in an otherwise upbeat and major progression.

Musical Analysis

The melody over this progression is catchy and simple, showcasing The Beatles’ knack for unforgettable hooks. The use of the borrowed ‘E minor’ chord adds a touch of unexpected surprise, deviating from the key of D major momentarily to create a hint of tension before resolving beautifully back to ‘A7’, the dominant chord.

Overall Analysis

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” composed by Paul McCartney, is a pop song that sits in the key of D Major throughout. However, it does borrow chords from the parallel minor. This technique, known as modal interchange or borrowed chords, is common in popular music and especially in classical compositions by iconic bands like The Beatles.

Style Analysis

This progression embodies The Beatles’ innovative approach. While it begins in a rather conventional manner, using ‘I’, ‘II7’, and ‘V7’ chords, the sudden switch to the ‘ii’ chord borrowed from the parallel minor gives the chorus an unexpected twist. This Beatles’ use of modal interchange is a prominent part of their style.

Chords in the Chorus section of Maxwells Silver Hammer by The Beatles are:

[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘A7’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’]