Music Theory Alchemy

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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Yesterday” by The Beatles is a classic Pop song in F Major maintaining a 2/2 time signature. The song changes the chords frequently to create a rich harmonic texture, and is known for its iconic descending guitar melody.

The intro of “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a simple, yet effective chord progression in the key of C major. The progression starts on the tonic, moves to a first inversion of a G6 chord, followed by an A minor chord, and finally back to the first inversion of the G6 chord. The progression has a circular nature, which adds to the song’s catchiness and memorability.

The chord progression in the intro of “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis showcases a mix of diatonic and chromatic movements, borrowing elements from jazz and R&B. The use of 7th chords and an augmented chord suggests a harmonically rich and colorful tonality, creating an intriguing atmosphere that captures the listener’s attention.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is a popular song that features a simple and catchy chord progression. The intro progression creates a pleasant and comforting atmosphere, and it sets up the laid-back, summer vibe of the song. The chords are primarily diatonic to the key of G major, except for the borrowed chord from the parallel minor. The progression is quite common in pop and rock music, and it shares similarities with other famous songs.

The Beatles – Within You Without You – Intro

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd11’, ‘C’, ‘C7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is an analysis of the intro:
1. C (I)
2. C (I)
3. Cadd11 (Isus4)
4. C (I)
5. C7 (I7)

Here’s the analysis in the code block:
“`
C (I)
C (I)
Cadd11 (Isus4)
C (I)
C7 (I7)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

In Western Pop culture, such static chord successions aren’t very common due to their less dynamic nature. However, there are a few pieces that one might point to for at least partially correlating progressions. One of them might be Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne,” which uses a similar emphasis on the tonic and dominant in its progression. Here’s its progression:

1. E (I)
2. E (I)
3. Eadd6 (Isus2)
4. E (I)
5. E7 (I7)

However, note that Cohen’s piece doesn’t dabble into Eastern music influences as Harrison’s does.

Musical Analysis

There is much to say about “Within You Without You.” It utilizes the mixolydian mode, a scale that has a major tonic chord but a minor dominant, unlike the major scale which has both a major tonic and dominant. Specifically, the song emphasizes the suspension of the fourth in the tonic chord, as seen in the progression from the C (I) to Cadd11 (Isus4). The C7 (I7) serves as a dominant function, leading well back to the tonic (root) chord.

Overall Analysis

“Within You Without You” from The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, composed by George Harrison, is a unique song in the Beatles’ discography. Musically, it truly merges the essence of Indian classical music with traditional Western music techniques. The chord progression is minimal and largely stays around the key of C major, which enhances the song’s drone-like effect, typical in traditional Indian music.

Style Analysis

This song showcases George Harrison’s fascination with Indian music, specifically the classical raga tradition. The sitar is an important part of the song’s sound. The fusion of Eastern and Western styles is particularly evident in the chord progression. Though minimal and repetitious, it allows the melody (based on Indian Raga scales, specifically the Khamaj scale) to sit on top, creating a mesmeric and almost hypnotic effect.

Chords in the Intro section of Within You Without You by The Beatles are:

[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd11’, ‘C’, ‘C7’]