The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road – Verse 2
The Long And Winding Road < All Analyses
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
Verse 2 features the following chord progression:
“`
B minor (ii), Gsus2/A (IV), D major (I), D7 (I7), G major (IV), Gmaj7 (IV), G major (IV), F# minor (iii), B minor (ii), E minor (ii), A major (V), D major (I), D7 (I7), G major (IV), F# minor (iii), B minor (ii), E minor (ii), A major (V), D major (I)
“`
In this progression, the D7 adds a slight tension that is resolved by the following G chord. The use of the major seventh on the G creates a dreamy, smooth sound. The use of the ii, iii, and IV chords adds color and complexity to the sequence, contributing to its mournful tone.
Similar Chord Progressions
The Beatles’ innovative use of complex chord progressions has inspired countless other artists.
For instance, the song “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys uses a progression with similar complexity and use of inversions:
“`
A major (I), B minor (ii), E (V), F# minor (vi), C# minor (iii), D major (IV), F#7 (VI7), B minor (ii), E major (V), A major (I), D major (IV), G minor (iv), D major(IV), E major (V), A major (I)
“`
Likewise, Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” presents a chord sequence of similar sophistication:
“`
D major (I), Bm7 (vi), Emin7 (ii), Dmaj7 (I), Gmaj7 (IV), D/F# (I), Em7 (ii), Dmaj7 (I), G major (IV), F# minor (vi), Em7 (ii), A7 (V), D major (I), D7 (V7), Gmaj7 (IV), A7 (V7), D major (I)
“`
These examples demonstrate the widespread influence of The Beatles’ innovative chord progressions on popular music and their continued relevance in modern pop songwriting.
Musical Analysis
The musicianship within this track is reflective of the highly developed and mature compositional style of The Beatles’ later years; it includes the use of borrowed chords and added tensions, which were unusual for pop music of the time.
For example, the Gsus2/A chord is an example of a “slash” or polychord, a more sophisticated musical tool often seen in jazz music, which helps contribute to the song’s lush, full sound.
Overall Analysis
“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is written in the key of D major and utilizes various chord progressions that contribute to its melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere.
Style Analysis
The Beatles were known for blending elements of various musical styles, including pop, rock, and more complex elements of classical and jazz harmony. The chord progression of “The Long and Winding Road” displays their knack for creating compelling, emotive music within the pop genre, while also pushing boundaries with more complex musical techniques.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road – Verse 2?
[‘Bm’, ‘Gsus2/A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘A’, ‘D’]
