“Girl” by The Beatles is a classic example of their use of chromatic harmony and modal interchange. The chord progression shows complexity in both its chord choices and structure, a distinguishing feature in much of their music. By closely examining this piece, we can better understand The Beatles’ harmonic technique where they blend the techniques of classical music (like chromaticism and harmonic diversity) with pop songwriting.
The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is composed in the key of A Major, but utilizes a number of chord extensions and non-diatonic chords to create a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape fitting the song’s theme of reminiscing about childhood.
The progression is in the key of C major. The use of the Bb major is known as modal interchange, where a chord that is not in the key is borrowed from a parallel key, which in this case is C minor. This contributes an interesting tone color to the overall sound. The chord progression does consist a use of slash chords (C/B, C/G) which adds a more complex bassline creating a more harmonically active feeling, and yielding more tension and release.
“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of The Stone Age is written in E Major key.
“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” is a popular song by Creedence Clearwater Revival from the 1971 album “Pendulum”. This song is performed in the key of C major, and uses chords from the diatonic scale. However, it also utilizes borrowed chords and chord inversions to create a bit of colour and novelty.
“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles is in the key of D major. The song features a handful of basic major and minor chords with a sprinkling of interesting harmonic developments such as the E7 transition chord and the use of the B minor chord which provide a rich palette of colors for the progression.
“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.
Verse 2
The song “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles is an interesting example of pop music songwriting from the mid 1960’s. It showcases Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s ability to use common chord progressions and tweak them in a unique and recognizable way. It utilizes a simple progression in the verse but what makes it different is their use of 7th and borrowed chords. The key of the song is D major.
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