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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is composed in the key of A Major, but utilizes a number of chord extensions and non-diatonic chords to create a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape fitting the song’s theme of reminiscing about childhood.

“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 Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.

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.

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

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’]