Music Theory Alchemy

Search

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.

“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.

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song notable for its dreamy, lo-fi sound and use of unconventional chord progressions. Musically, the song is written in the key of F major, but creatively uses chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to establish a unique harmony. The song also uses dynamic contrast to create a dreamlike atmosphere, increasing the song’s overall psychedelic effect.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles uses some of the most common chords in the key of C Major, which is the tonic of the song. It also contains few instances of chord extensions, inversions, and secondary dominants, which are widely used in pop music composition.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Following is your requested structure with chords from Verse 2:

“`
E (I)
Emaj7 (I maj7)
E7 (I7)
F#m (ii)
E (I)
D (bVII)
D (bVII)
E (I)
A (IV)
F#m (ii)
D (bVII)
E (I)
D (bVII)
A (IV)
“`
Here E7 is a dominant function to lead to A. D is a borrowed chord from E mixolydian mode.

Similar Chord Progressions

“Something” by The Beatles also employs a similar pattern using borrowed chords, though in a different key. Its progression amounts to:

“`
C (I)
Cmaj7 (I maj7)
C7 (I7)
F (IV)
D (bVI)
G (V)
G (V)
A (VI)
“`

Musical Analysis

In Verse 2, the progression initially alternates between the E (I) chord with variations, including the altercations to Emaj7 and E7, and the F#m (ii) chord assisting in the mood. Interestingly, the introduction of borrowed chord D (bVII) from the mixolydian mode and subsequent alternation between E and D creates a unique ambiguous tonality. This progression then resolves to A (IV) creating a sense of stability, only to start the cycle anew.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The Beatles had a unique way of fusing both traditional and unconventional harmonic concepts. This piece follows the same. The base key doesn’t remain stable and shifts from major key to its relative minor. Also, this song exhibits a modal interchange, with a switch to Mixolydian mode with the borrowed chord D (bVII) giving a different sonic flavor.

Chords in the Verse 2 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’]