The Genius Behind The Beatles "In My Life" – No Theory Needed

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Today we’re breaking down the genius chord moves inside “In My Life” by The Beatles—one of their most beautifully written and harmonically rich songs.

Even if they didn’t know the official theory terms, the Beatles were using dominant 7s, borrowed chords, flat 7s, and minor 4s like absolute pros.

In this breakdown, I’ll show you how they:
⦿ Add tension with dominant chords
⦿ Shift emotions with minor 4 chords
⦿ Break the key on purpose for a bigger sound

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0:00 - Intro
2:28 - Welcome to the Lesson: Beatles Breakdown
3:44 - Key of A Major: Song Structure & Chord Overview
4:59 - Borrowed Chords & Subdominants
6:02 - Intro Lick Breakdown
7:03 - The Minor 4 Chord Trick
9:02 - Flat 7 Surprise (G Major in A Major)
11:50 - Beatles Example: “Let It Be” Flat 7
13:20 - Dominant II & III Chords Explained
15:05 - Beatles-Esque Progressions (Bonus Song Ideas)
16:20 - Using Tension Outside the Key
17:50 - Final Recap of “In My Life”
18:03 - Outro