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“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.

As this song has a distinct classical rock sound, you’ll see a mixture of major and minor chords. The progression is in the key of E major. The use of seventh chords and suspended chords provides a dense harmonic texture.

“A Hard Day’s Night” by the Beatles is in the key of G Major. According to the provided list, the song has an array of major, minor, and some of the seventh and suspended chords, which is quite typical for the pop and rock genres. The coda appears to be a cyclic repetition of a phrase involving a transition from a C Major to a G Major chord, before leading to the repeated sequence of D7sus4, Dm7 chords. The D7sus4 and Dm7 chords give an interesting tension and release effect, as the suspension wants to resolve to the minor chord, while the minor chord creates an expectation for a return to the root chord.

“I’m Still Standing” is a pop rock song by Elton John, from his 1983 album “Too Low For Zero”. The song is up-tempo, featuring energetic keyboard playing from Elton John, and has become one of his most enduring hits. The song is in the key of E Major.

Here’s the chord progression analysis of the coda and the full chord names with their roman numerals:

The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” is in the key of E major and the coda chord progression special in its context. It is a clear example of a piece from the pop or rock genre exhibiting a distinctive use of chord progressions and modulation without adhering strictly to the classical traditions. Common prevailing characteristics of music by The Beatles are exemplified in this piece through its use of borrowed chords, chromatic mediants, and modal interchange, providing a distinct harmonic color and texture.

The Beatles – Maxwells Silver Hammer – Coda

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘F#/C#’, ‘Bm’, ‘D7/A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

– D Major (“I”)
– F#/C# (“II/V”)
– B minor (“vi”)
– D7/A (“V7/5”)
– G Major (“IV”)
– D Major (“I”)
– A Major (“V”)
– D Major (“I”)

“`Borrowed Chord: F#/C# (“II/V”)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Blue Moon” by Rogers and Hart also features the I – IV – V sequence quite prominently as a part of its structure. The chord progression is in the form of: C major (“I) – F Major (“IV”) – G7 (“V7”) – C major (“I”).
2. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King typically returns to the I chord following a IV chord in a similar fashion to Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. The progression is: A major (“I”) – F# minor (“vi”) – D Major (“IV”) – E Major (“V”).
3. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. Their chord progressions in the track are: C Major (“I”) – Am (“vi”) – F Major (“IV”) – G Major (“V”).

The uniqueness in “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” lies in its eclectic borrowed chord, which adds a distinct flavor to the song.

Musical Analysis

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a quirky, melodically infectious tune. The primary harmonic movement in the song demonstrates a common technique used in pop music – the I-IV-V progression (D, G, A). This repetition of simple, familiar sequences allows the melodic content to catch the listener’s attention. The insertion of the F#/C# borrowed chord right at the beginning of the coda makes this section stand out. Borrowed chords, as the term suggests, are “borrowed” from the parallel minor or major key. In this case, F# is not traditionally seen in chord progressions resolving to Bm (vi) in a D major context, making it the borrowed chord.

Overall Analysis

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles is a track that showcases the band’s fondness for creating complex and textured compositions by combining multiple melody lines with innovative chord sequences in a pop rock context. It features numerous musical styles, including pop, rock, and music hall, which reflects the band’s eclectic musical influences. The Coda of the song takes place in the key of D major.

Style Analysis

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is noted for its playful, music hall feel. The Beatles were known for using various styles from different musical eras, and the music hall style was a throughline in many of their more whimsical tunes. This song features not only playful lyrics, but also an equally playful chord progression blending seamlessly from the verse to the bridge and into the coda.

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

[‘D’, ‘F#/C#’, ‘Bm’, ‘D7/A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]