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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is one of the excellent examples of the unique and complex style popular in the late 1960’s. It is in the key of E and further progresses to F# minor. The progression utilizes modal interchange, chromaticism, and unusual chord progressions to create a dreamlike and psychedelic landscape that perfectly suits the lyrical theme of the song.

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

“Across The Universe” by The Beatles, written mostly by John Lennon, is known for its rich and complex harmonic structures that added new dimensions to pop music. The song is predominately in the key of D major, with occasional borrowings from the parallel minor (D minor) and the closely-related key of B minor. The verse 1 progression – D, Bm, F#m, Em7, A, A7, D, Bm, F#m, Em7, Gm – creates an affectingly melancholic mood through its mix of major, minor and borrowed chords, producing a unique ambience that evokes a sense of cosmic contemplation, matching with the philosophical lyrics of the song.

The song “It’s A Fire” by Portishead features complex harmonic structures, distinguished by a fusion of pop, rock, and elements of jazz harmonies. The band, known for their trip-hop style, employ chromatically richer harmony and non-diatonic chord progressions in this piece. The chord progression of ‘It’s A Fire’ is consistent with this approach as we see the frequent use of suspended and minor chords alongside major ones, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. Borrowed chords, usually taken from the parallel minor or major key, are also used frequently to add stylistic color to the harmony.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E7’, ‘F#m’, ‘E’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘D’, ‘A’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
‘E major’ (‘I chord’)
‘E major 7th’ (‘I maj7 chord’)
‘E dominant 7th’ (‘I7 chord’)
‘F# minor’ (‘ii chord’)
‘E major’ (‘I chord’)
‘D major’ (‘VII chord’) – Borrowed from E minor
‘D major’ (‘VII chord’) – Borrowed from E minor
‘E major’ (‘I chord’)
‘A major’ (‘IV chord’)
‘F# minor’ (‘ii chord’)
‘D major’ (‘VII chord’) – Borrowed from E minor
‘E major’ (‘I chord’)
‘D major’ (‘VII chord’) – Borrowed from E minor
‘A major’ (‘IV chord’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1) ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys uses a similar technique of blending major and minor modes, allowing complex emotions to be expressed:
“`
‘A major’ (‘I chord’)
‘A major 7th’ (‘I maj7 chord’)
‘A7’ (‘I7 chord’)
‘D minor’ (‘iv chord’) – Borrowed from A minor
“`
2) ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen also uses modal interchange and rapidly changing harmonies, an example of which is seen in this excerpt from the song’s introduction:
“`
‘Bb major’ (‘I chord’)
‘G minor’ (‘vi chord’)
‘C minor’ (‘ii chord’) – Borrowed from Bb minor
‘F major’ (‘V chord’)
“`

Musical Analysis

The song begins with the I chord, ‘E major’, which then undergoes a softening by transitioning into ‘E major 7th’ and further into ‘E dominant 7th’. This progression leads us into the ‘F# minor’, the ii chord, lending a dreamy and modally ambiguous air to the song. This is accentuated by the use of borrowed ‘D major’ chords, originated from E minor.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” alternates between E major and E minor modes, a technique known as Modal Interchange, which lends the song a distinctive and captivating sound.

Overall Analysis

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a psychedelic rock song often regarded as one of their finest works. It’s innovative from both a melodic and harmonic perspective, using complex chord structures, chromatic touches, and key changes. The song is primarily in the key of E major.

Style Analysis

The Beatles are known for their innovative use of chords and progressions, blending major and minor modes to create unique soundscapes. “Strawberry Fields Forever” takes advantage of the distinctive sound of the Mellotron, an early keyboard instrument that uses taped loops of real instruments. The ethereal quality of the Mellotron underscored the modal interchange and chromaticism, typifying the aesthetics of the psychedelic era.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles are:

[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E7’, ‘F#m’, ‘E’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘D’, ‘A’]