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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“The Long And Winding Road” is in the key of D major. The chords are quite typical of pop music, however, The Beatles use of extensions and suspensions provide a unique complexity to the progression. The song dabbles in modal interchange as it borrows chords from parallel minor, a popular Beatles technique.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a Beatles song composed in the key of D Major. It’s a classic example of Paul McCartney’s knack for catchy pop songwriting. This song showcases McCartney’s affinity for borrowing chords to make his progressions more interesting.

“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.

“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.

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘Gsus2/A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
B Minor (ii)
G suspended 2 / A, which functions as an A11 (V11)
D Major (I)
D Dominant 7 (I7)
G Major (IV)
G Major 7 (IVmaj7)
G Major again (IV)
F# Minor (iii)
B Minor repeating (ii)
E Minor (ii in the key of D Major, representing modal interchange from D minor)
A Major (V)
D Major repeating (I)
D Dominant 7 repeating (I7)
G Major repeating (IV)
F# Minor repeating (iii)
B Minor repeating (ii)
E Minor repeating (ii with modal interchange from D minor)
A Major repeating (V)
D Major repeating (I)
“`
Please note that while not traditionally diatonic to D Major, the E minor and A11 chords can be explained through modal interchange and dominant function respectively.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen has a similar feel, using a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. Here’s the progression for the verse:

“`
C Major (I)
A Minor (vi)
C Major repeating (I)
A Minor repeating (vi)
F Major (IV)
G Major (V)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
“`

2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley also features a rich, emotive chord progression:

“`
C Major (I)
Em/B (iii/V)
Am (vi)
Am/G (vi)
F Major (IV)
C Major (I)
F Major (IV)
G Major (V)
Ab Major (bVI, a borrowed chord from C minor)
C Major (I)
E7 (III7, a secondary dominant targeting Am)
A Minor (vi)
“`

Please note that while these progressions aren’t identical to “The Long and Winding Road,” they exhibit a related sense of journey and contain similar elements such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords.

Musical Analysis

“The Long and Winding Road” is typified by chord progressions that strike an intriguing balance between satisfying resolution and mild tension. The progression creates a push-and-pull effect via the use of dominant resolutions to unexpected chords (e.g., the resolution of the D7 to the Gmaj7 or G). There’s this masterful manipulation of tonal expectations that is a hallmark of The Beatles’ compositions.

Overall Analysis

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is an iconic pop ballad renowned for its rich harmonic content. It employs both modal interchange and secondary dominants, thus securing its place as an exemplary piece in pop music harmony. Its dominant tonality is D Major, however, it makes use of many borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

The Beatles are known for their unique blend of pop and rock with elements of classical music, which is reflected in this progression. This blending of styles redefined what was possible in popular music and made them one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music. The use of sophisticated music theory concepts such as modal interchange and secondary dominants helped them to keep their music innovative and unpredictable.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of The Long And Winding Road by The Beatles are:

[‘Bm’, ‘Gsus2/A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’]