Unraveling the Last Chord of 'She Loves You': A Trio Harmony Explained

Introduction:

The Beatles' timeless hit, She Loves You, has captured the hearts of music lovers for decades. A fascinating detail is the unique chord that the band - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison - used to conclude the song. This article delves into the intricacies of the last chord, shedding light on the collaboration of the band members and the influence of their producer, George Martin.

The Final Chord of She Loves You

At the end of She Loves You, a clear and distinct chord is heard. The last notes sung by the Trio are:

John Lennon: E Paul McCartney: G George Harrison: B Ringo Starr: D (drums)

This combination creates a suspended chord that contributes significantly to the iconic sound of the song's conclusion.

Paul McCartney's Insight

Paul McCartney recently discussed the intricacies of this end chord with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. He shared that, contrary to the advice of producer George Martin, Paul, John, and George insisted on maintaining the sixth chord as their preferred ending. Martin considered it old-fashioned and perhaps a bit 'corny,' but the band’s love for this sound overruled the producer's concerns.

The Source of the Chord

It's worth noting that the final note on the record is actually a combination of the roots from each musician. Before the first verse, Paul sings the root G note, John sings D, and George sings E. This minor sixth creates a unique and memorable sound that resonates to this day. The idea for this chord came from a mix of country music influences that all band members had absorbed, as well as their producer George Martin.

The Technical Breakdown

To better understand how the chord was constructed, let's break it down:

The final "Yeah Yeah Yeah" note includes three parts:

Paul sings G (root of the chord) John sings F (fifth of the chord) George sings E (major sixth of the chord)

On the final "Yeah," the notes change slightly:

Paul returns to G George remains on E John moves to D (fourth note)

These notes, D, E, and G, form a G6 chord. A G6 chord is a major triad with an added sixth above the root. The spelling of the chord is G-B-D-E. The band members cover the fifth, sixth, and root notes of the chord, while the guitar plays the root G, completing the G6 sound.

The Sound of the G6 Chord

The G6 chord has a unique and distinctive sound. It evokes a sense of timelessness, with its roots tracing back to music from about 1900 to the big band era. However, the interval of a second between the 5th (D) and the 6th (E) notes of the chord confers it with a brighter, brassier quality. This interval gives the chord a character that feels both familiar and innovative.

In conclusion, the last chord of She Loves You is a fascinating blend of musical history and experimentation. It's a testament to the innovative spirit of the Beatles and the enduring influence of their groundbreaking work. Whether you hear it as a corny choice or a responsible nod to musical tradition, the G6 chord is undoubtedly a highlight of this iconic song.