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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 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.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak utilizes a repetitive three-chord-per-measure progression throughout the song. It is notable for its haunting, melancholic, and mysteriously romantic sound largely because of its repeated progression and very carefully chosen blend of major and minor chords, within the key signature of B minor.

“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

The chord progression in the verse of “Apocalypse Please” by Muse is mostly based on the F#m and C# chords, with a strong emphasis on the i and V7 relationship. The progression moves back and forth between these two chords without straying far from the Tonality of F# minor while maintaining a tension and release structure.

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’]