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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a significant example of their high level of technical composition skills. This track, which is played in the key of A Major, incorporates variations in the conventional chord progressions by using borrowed chords and shifting harmonic and melodic structures, showcasing their profound understanding of music theory and ability to use those ideas creatively.

“A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles, despite seeming to have a simple structure, is quite unique in its musical composition. The progression varies from standard rock, pop, and folk structure by integrating unique transitions and slightly unconventional chord choices.

Verse

The chord progression of “Because” by The Beatles demonstrates the band’s profound exploration of harmony. The song starts in the key of C# minor, revolves around this key, and includes various modulations and tonicizations to explore chords beyond the key. It heavily employs secondary dominants and borrowed chords, particularly the diminished 7th chords, which is not uncommon in Beatles’s songs. The chord progression has a dreamy and fluid flow due to these harmonic explorations.

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.

“Can’t Buy Me Love” is a song in C Major. The Beatles were renowned for their use of a variety of chord progressions, and this song certainly lives up to that reputation. Although the progression in the verse primarily consists of the chords ‘C7’, ‘F7’, and ‘C’, it’s the way they are harmonically linked that makes it really interesting.

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’]