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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Let It Be” by The Beatles is a song in the key of C Major. The chord progression featured in Verse 3 of the song, C – G – Am – Am/G – Fmaj7 – F6 – C – G – F – C/E – Dm7 – C, is a common progression in pop music. It has a repetitive structure and revolves around the I-V-vi-VI progression.

“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles presents us with a classic example of their innovative approach to harmony and composition. Drawing from various sources of influence, the song incorporates elements of traditional pop ballad form with a hint of the Baroque harmonic palette. This song is an excellent study in complex harmony and modulation within a pop music context, a trait that underpins much of The Beatles’ later work.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys showcases the artistic depth and compositional craft of Brian Wilson, the band’s primary songwriter. The song utilizes a complex chord progression and key changes that are unconventional for pop music of its time. The chord progression creates a sense of constant mood transitions, similar to arias in Romantic era music.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a dark and provocative piece built upon a relentless, driving chord progression and sinuous melodies. The downbeat feel and chromaticism contribute to the brooding, unsettling mood of the song, which is a hallmark of the industrial rock genre. The piece is in the key of B minor.

Blackbird

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All Analyses by Song

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“Blackbird” by The Beatles is a song mostly in the key of G Major. It’s known for its interesting guitar work and unconventional chord progression. The song employs a mix of functional and non-functional harmony, striking a balance between traditional diatonic harmony and more experimental harmonic ideas. The chord progression also includes several chromatic or borrowed chords (Cm, Dbdim, D# (b5), C#dim, and Ebaug).

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