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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” features a verse in A minor with a brief but significant shift to F minor, due to the use of borrowed chords or modal mixture. Notably, it showcases The Beatles’ sophisticated approach to harmonization, utilizing unconventional chord progressions & modulations that are cyclical.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones is a rock ballad with a minor tonality and is composed in the key of G major. The song incorporates the use of modal interchange, more commonly referred to as borrowed chords, from the parallel minor. This common technique in rock music contributes to the melancholic and emotionally resonant feeling of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Megalomania” features a blend of major and minor chords, as well as the use of the dominant 7th chord (B7) to create tension and resolution. This progression provides a harmonic foundation for the powerful and emotional vocals, giving it an intense and memorable feel.

The Beatles – The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘G7’, ‘A’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘E7’, ‘C’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘G7’, ‘A’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘E7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

(For clarity, each chord below will follow the syntax: Full Chord name (‘Roman Numeral) .)

– C Major (‘I)
– G7 Major (‘V7)
– C Major (‘I)
– F minor (‘iv)
– C Major (‘I)
– F minor (‘iv)
– G7 Major (‘V7)
– A Major (‘VI)
– E7 Major (Secondary Dominant of ‘V in A Major)
– A Major (‘VI)
– D minor (‘ii)
– A Major (‘VI)
– D minor (‘ii)
– E7 Major (Secondary Dominant of ‘V in A Major)
– C Major (‘I)
– G7 Major (‘V7)
– C Major (‘I)
– F minor (‘iv)
– C Major (‘I)
– F minor (‘iv)
– G7 Major (‘V7)
– A Major (‘VI)
– E7 Major (Secondary Dominant of ‘V in A Major)
– A Major (‘VI)
– D minor (‘ii)
– A Major (‘VI)
– D minor (‘ii)
– E7 Major (Secondary Dominant of ‘V in A Major)

“`
Notable Borrowed Chords:

F minor (‘iv): Borrowed from C minor (Parallel Minor of C Major)
A Major (‘VI): Borrowed from C major’s Parallel Minor’s (C minor’s) Relative Major (Eb Major)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison uses the ‘I – ‘V (C Major – G7 Major) progression.

2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles uses the ‘I – ‘iv progression (C Major – F minor).

For comparison:

– “My Sweet Lord”: G (‘I) – Em (‘vi) – G (‘I) – D7 (‘V7)
– “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”: Am (‘vi) – C (‘I) – G (‘V) – D (‘IV) – E (‘V/vi – Secondary Dominant)

Musical Analysis

The use of the F minor (‘iv) chord from the parallel minor creates a striking, “color” effect which certainly contributes to the unique musical character of this Beatles’ piece. Additionally, the repeated shifts between tonal centers with the use of secondary dominants contribute to an adventurous feel typical of many Beatles’ compositions.

Overall Analysis

This chorus from The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” is an example of clever use of common chord transitions with several shifts in tonality. The chord progression uses the tonic key of C Major and F minor, showing complex modulation derived from modal interchange and secondary dominant techniques.

Style Analysis

This complex composition style is in line with the progressive musical tendencies of The Beatles. They were known for their frequent use of modal interchange (borrowed chords), secondary dominants, and for their seamless tonal shifts which kept their music dynamically engaging.

Chords in the Chorus section of The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill by The Beatles are:

[‘C’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘G7’, ‘A’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘E7’, ‘C’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘Fm’, ‘G7’, ‘A’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘Dm’, ‘E7’]