George Harrisons Naughty Chords: Exploring His Signature Sound on Stairway to 11

George Harrison's Naughty Chords: Exploring His Signature Sound on Stairway to 11

Introduction

Many music enthusiasts and guitarists have heard of the unique sound George Harrison brought to the music world. But what is it that made his playing so special? According to Tony Frye's article "George Harrison's Signature Sound" on Stairway to 11, the answer lies in what Harrison referred to as 'naughty chords.'

Understanding Naughty Chords

First, let's break down what Harrison meant by 'naughty chords.' These are typically dominant diminished chords and augmented chords. For those not well-versed in music theory, let's start with some basics. In music, basic chords are made up of three notes, forming what we call a triad. Triads can be major or minor depending on the intervals between the notes

Basic Chords

A C major chord is constructed on the notes C-E-G. The distance from C to E is a major third, making the chord major. A C minor chord is formed with the notes C-Eb-G, where the distance from C to Eb is a minor third, making it a minor chord. These are fundamental chords found across different musical genres.

The Naughty Chords

Now, the 'naughtiness' comes into play when we start altering the intervals within these chords:

Diminished Chords

A diminished chord is created by lowering the fifth note in a minor chord. For example, taking a C minor chord (C-Eb-G) and lowering the G (Gb), we get a diminished triad: C-Eb-Gb. Take it further, and adding another note a minor third from the top (Bbb, or A), and you get a diminished seventh chord: C-Eb-Gb-Bbb.

Augmented Chords

Augmented chords are created by raising the fifth note in a major chord. For example, in a C major chord (C-E-G), raising the G (to G# or A) creates an augmented triad: C-E-A.

Harrison's use of these chords allowed him to modulate or shift keys seamlessly, creating a unique musical experience.

Examples in George Harrison's Music

Naughty Chords in All Things Must Pass

The second chord in All Things Must Pass is a diminished chord. This chord adds a unique color and texture, as Harrison often uses it to contrast major chords. For instance, the song starts with an E minor chord and transitions seamlessly to a diminished chord (Eb-Gb-Bbb).

Augmented Chords in That is All

In the song That is All from Living in the Material World, Harrison plays an A augmented chord (A-C#-E), then raises the fifth a half step (C#-E#-G), and then raises it again in the next measure (C#-F#-A). This manipulation of the chord gently leads the listener to a D major pivot point, setting up a common I-IV chord progression that creates musical tension and release.

Ways Harrison Used These Chords

Harrison used these chords not just as modulations but as tools for creating tension and release in his compositions. Consider the example from All Things Must Pass where Harrison slips in that diminished chord between the main theme and a major chord, adding a darker color and energy to the song. Similarly, in That is All, adding the augmented chord raises the anticipation for the IV chord (D), making the progression feel more resolved and pleasurable to the ear.

The Impact of Naughty Chords

Even though these chords may seem complex, their application in Harrison's music is often subtle and effortless. By slipping in these chords between major ones, Harrison creates a sense of surprise and engagement that keeps the listener hooked. This is particularly apparent in songs like Apple Scruffs Can't Stop Thinking About You and Never Get Over You, where the listener can hear that dark chord nestled between the pretty ones.

Harrison's use of these chords did more than just modulate keys or add color; it was a way to play with the listener's expectations, leading them through a musical journey that lures them into the next key or tonality. This seamless transition and the subtle yet profound impact on the listener shows the depth of Harrison's talent and his contribution to the evolution of popular music.