The Beatles – Something – Intro
Something < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘F’, ‘Eb’, ‘G/D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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F Major (IV)
Eb Major (bIII : Borrowed Chord from the parallel minor)
G/D (V/vi)
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Similar Chord Progressions
An example of a song with a similar iv-bIII progression is Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android”. Their sixth studio LP “OK Computer” (1997) exhibits the band’s expansive understanding of harmony, similar in some areas to the Beatles.
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C# minor (i)
B major (VII : Borrowed Chord from the parallel Major)
A Major/E (VI)
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Another song is “Creep”, also by Radiohead, which makes use of the Major IV to a borrowed bIII:
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G Major (I)
B Major (III : Borrowed Chord from the parallel minor)
C Major (IV)
C Minor (iv: Borrowed Chord from the parallel minor)
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Thus, George Harrison’s songwriting on “Something” left a major imprint on the future of rock, pop, and other genres of music.
Musical Analysis
The song begins with a modulation from the Major IV chord (F) to a borrowed bIII chord (Eb), which is derived from the parallel minor key (C minor). The progression then moves to a V/vi (G/D), a secondary dominant preparation to transition to the vi chord later, which adds suspense and anticipation.
Overall Analysis
The Beatles’ “Something” is a soulful ballad from their 1969 album “Abbey Road.” It’s primarily composed in the key of C major, but features modulations to other keys throughout its duration. The harmony of this song is somewhat complicated, but still rooted in traditional practices. “Something” effectively uses borrowed chords—chords from parallel keys—to create a fresh and memorable sound.
Style Analysis
“Something” is a great example of The Beatles’ genius for songwriting and their experimental approach to popular music. The modulation to a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key is a progressive move borrowed from classical music and jazz. It’s largely these unconventional decisions that set The Beatles’ compositions apart from other pop music of the era.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Something – Intro?
[‘F’, ‘Eb’, ‘G/D’]
