4 Inventive Key Changes in Pop Music

I pick apart the key changes in 'Uptown Girl', 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds', 'We've Only Just Begun' and 'God Only Knows' and analyse what makes them work so well.
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Thanks to Franco Saavedra for providing Spanish subtitles for this video!
George Martin chatting to Brian Wilson: • Video
Background Music: • 'Running Man' 🎹 Jazz-F...

[@davidleedutton]

I do love the fact that the key change in "Man in the Mirror" happens on the word "change." Obvious but appropriate.

[@andrewsparkes8829]

Another of my obvious but appropriate key changes (though not a sustained one) is the "the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift" line in Hallelujah. Sure, the song is overplayed nowadays but that's near-perfect songwriting right there.

[@marciamakesmusic]

@@andrewsparkes8829 That's not a key change. Hallelujah is entirely in C major, save for an E7 chord (V7/vi) that provides more harmonic pull to Am (vi).

[@andrewsparkes8829]

@@marciamakesmusic All chord progressions could be written as key changes. It's just easier to parse without a different key signature every half-bar. But there's no real, objective difference to a 4 chords in a 'chord progression' and 4 'key changes'.

[@marciamakesmusic]

@@andrewsparkes8829 No. You don't have a coherent understanding of functional harmony

[@andrewsparkes8829]

@@marciamakesmusic And you don't have an understanding of the word "objective". You are completely right with how we perceive music, but my point is every single batch of notes could be written with a new key signature and it would make no difference to how it is played. This channel often shows two 'versions' of the same sheet music itself with no difference to the performance.

[@GolfhausYT]

It makes me sad that David has to use live and cover versions of songs, because the ContentID will ding it automatically, despite the clearly educational nature of videos like this. FIX THIS KZbin

[@YuriRadavchuk]

It's even worse. And no one is yet to fix it, cause the cost of a better solution is big

[@gloomsdoom649]

It's not KZbin, it's the Universal Music Group and it's variations that are flagging videos.

[@ace-smith]

Gloom's Doom KZbin is still the one that needs to fix it.

[@gabrielbennett9376]

@@gloomsdoom649 KZbin allows it, and encourages it.

[@cognitivedissonance8406]

KZbin has absolutely no power over the situation unless the copyright laws are changed

[@TimMillaway]

Brain Wilson is a clear genius! Paul McCartney called “God Only Knows” the greatest song written in pop music. I find the key change in “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grich” wonderful also!

[@danscott9630]

You're so right. Listen to the melody in Don't Worry Baby. Talk about genius!

[@2011littleguy]

@@danscott9630 Yes! Don't Worry Baby is another clever use of modulation moving a whole tone higher.

[@oceanmadman7429]

🧠 Wilson

[@bloom_the_artist]

Was the grink there?

[@matteovalentini4850]

I enjoy a good "Still believe in me" from the same album for the unnecessary richness in counterpoints too :D

[@ahyaok100]

I remember as a kid when my guitar teacher introduced me to changing keys. The heavens opened up. He was like the Mr Miyagi of guitar teachers. "Ok, so you've learned the circle of fifths and now check this out." I would bring in songs to learn from Rush or Yes or whatever with crazy changes and would proceed to blow my mind apart with his analysis. Why he was teaching at that little music store, I have no idea. My love for music only intensified.

[@ahyaok100]

@Jacque Jasper lol. Sounds like you have your priorities straight

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

@@ahyaok100 LOL

[@DavidDiMuzio]

One of the best music channels and best hairlines on KZbin 😁

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks! 😂😀😄

[@pinkajou656]

That’s hilarious

[@phacus]

...Ethan? Haha h3h3 is bragging about this exact same issue! Crossover ep.!

[@markgilmore2077]

David, regardless of being a pianist, you have a real talent for taking very complicated subject matter and explaining it simply and clearly. Fantastic work.

[@mysterycowgirlstudio]

The chorus of While My Guitar Gently Weeps has an amazing key change

[@davidhyrman2763]

Its really just Am to A (not to shit on the song, it's fucking brilliant!)

[@chipgaasche4933]

Not so much, joe..but check out the changes in Here, There, and Everywhere. Brilliant.

[@davidhyrman2763]

@keefie80 definitely a beautiful progression, no doubt there. The contrast of the chorus and the verse is incredible.

[@aliendude2875]

@@davidhyrman2763 similar to Zephyr Song by RHCP

[@criticalmass500]

Penny lane

[@brokeeper2007]

I don’t think I understood a tenth of what you said, but it was fascinating.

[@Thepirireis]

Matthew Anthony More than I😏

[@starttherebellion9146]

Well... if you _want_ to understand 100% of it... it's actually quite easy. - Use this simple 3 step process... 1.) Watch the video and pause it immediately whenever he uses a term or phrase you don't understand and write it down... 2.) At the end of the video take the list of terms and phrases you've just created and look each one up on Google or KZbin so that you understand what he's referring to. Finally... 3.) Re-watch the video, pausing and rewinding as necessary to review the definitions, until finally you comprehend what he's saying. -- It's quite easy to grasp the concepts once you understand the terms they're built on. :D

[@starttherebellion9146]

It's really a _lot_ less complicated once you know the terms. Remember also, this video was researched, scripted, rehearsed, and edited. And that's partly why it seems a bit overwhelming. - This lad didn't blurt out these well crafted in-depth harmonic analyses off the top of his head stream-of-consciousness style, lol.

[@BirdYoumans]

The first thing one needs to learn is the number system. Without out knowing that, you'll always be in the dark when it comes to analysis. There was my life in music before I learned it, and then my life in music after I learned it. Like being born again! This young man did a great job with his analysis by the way. Also, learn to recognize intervals. Your musicianship will grow by leaps and bounds once you do because you'll know what you are hearing and you won't have to guess.

[@josephdrach2276]

It's all quite simple.The keys that the songs change to are typically related.They often share some of the same notes in common.Changing from C major to A minor is easy because the notes are the same.All the notes from C up to the nearest C and back but No Sharps or flats.A minor is A up to the Nearest A and back down but no sharps or flats.That means they share 8 notes in common.Very closely related.In one song the key goes from A(three sharps) to F sharp minor,same three sharps.Scales and the keys they come from share notes in common.Using these notes to go from one key to another is called pivoting and it's very common.Other keys are more distantly related and if you pivot,you've got to choose your key change wisely,meaning so it sounds good.One can also just slide up so to speak into a different key by taking (typically but not always)a half step into the new key.Sometimes it's a whole step.Changing from C to Bb can be done by going from C to Bb directly and boldly or on could move chromatically (sort of)from the note E in key of C to the note F in Bb which is a half step.Add the note B natural and Bb and your moving chromatically in two ways.This stuff is hard to put in words but if you have your instrument or a piano it's easy to see and hear what's going on.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Brian Wilson is such a genius, he plays in three keys at once!

[@tomkenning5482]

While it's not harmonically that complex, the first modulation in 'Wouldn't it be nice' by the Beach Boys really is great. It's within the first 10 seconds and just gives a great effect

[@gregormann7]

Fantastic example. The song is in the key of F-maj, but the intro in A-maj. Who does THAT? Then that intro is subtly reintroduced into the background of the bridge. Awesome songwriting.

[@guglieblue]

What's the key of the last song? God only knows.

[@dougauwarter2500]

Mostly D major, with some cool harmonic shifts.

[@zeyy84]

@@dougauwarter2500 I think he's making a joke of Only God knows the key of the song. Idk

[@gregorydodwell3895]

Mate, you win ^_^

[@th3giv3r]

YES

[@ipsurvivor]

guglieblue - The Key Of “IF”...

[@KevyNova]

Great video but I can’t believe you included “God Only Knows” without talking about the brilliant key change in the middle instrumental part where everything goes up a fourth. It’s not so much how he goes into the key change but how he comes out of it and back to the original key that blows my mind every time! It is so seamless that you don’t even notice the change.

[@lornes9853]

I was thinking the exact same thing. The melody winds around the bridge so naturally that you move from a brand new key back to the original without feeling forced or obvious. Damn clever! Brian used a ton of key shifts in other songs and the effect was beautiful, but in God Only Knows most people don't even know it happened.

[@harpethguitar]

"God Only Knows" is in the key of Brian.

[@startervisions]

right lol it's a very unique chord progression

[@TheCraig8754]

Vocals are in the key of Carl no one else should sing that song.

[@lukevanbloxam1180]

I can play most stuff with the chords in front on me, the two I don't know even where to start with are Brian Wilson and Steely Dan. It's another language compared to a simple G/Em/C/D .

[@daveahem7038]

@@TheCraig8754Except Brian :)

[@dhf763]

@@TheCraig8754 brian sung it first, but he didn't like it very much with his voice, so he gave the song to carl. search for "god only knows - brian sings lead" on youtube.

[@ianhowlett4682]

You missed the most classic example of all: the Boy Band Key Change. Start by sitting on stools, then stand up at the key change!

[@joesycamore2899]

My friend and I always laugh when that happens. It's virtually mandatory

[@nyikomhlarhimusic]

Westlife 😃

[@elvisleeboy]

This channel is about music, not fluff for shallow females.

[@BeeWhistler]

@@elvisleeboy Correction... it's about analyzing music, not being a sexist gatekeeping dickweed. If you want to learn anything you're gonna have to stop judging and telling people what they can't do and open your mind. And yeah, this thread is poking fun at a dorky musical trope but it was a lot more respectful before you tossed in.

[@elvisleeboy]

@@BeeWhistler Have you got anything substantial to add in order to lift your remark above consisting solely of baseless ad hominem name calling? For example, can you explain how what I said was sexist? Infantile terms like 'dickweed' have no place in a discussion amongst adults.

[@ArsPraestigium]

For those unaware, _We’ve Only Just Begun_ was composed by Paul Williams as the background for a California bank commercial. Richard Carpenter heard it on TV and immediately asked Williams if The Carpenters could record it. It became a massive hit and helped launch their careers.

[@pauldaniels2019]

UCB Bank

[@mattmcclellan7781]

Co-written by Roger Nichols, who probably is the half more responsible for the progressions and chords, if not the melody. It is well worth a deep dive into anything they wrote in the late 60's and early 70's. Very sophisticated and often haunting, some of my faves are "Morning I'll Be Moving On" (PW), I Can See Only You" (RN & the Small Circle of Friends), "Snow Queen" (RN, The City, BS&Tears) and "Always You" (Sundowners, Linda Ball, others recorded).

[@cubancanadian1342]

No wonder McCartney loves God Only Knows so much. Brilliant song writing.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

And Brian loves Paul, too. Mutual admiration, and their friendly rivalry propelled some great music.

[@blippblopp8111]

It's probably one of the most complicated melodies of the century. 100% genius composition.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

PET SOUNDS is a masterpiece. ("Wouldn't It Be Nice?")

[@JoseGonzalez-ez6vn]

Not just Paul, George Martin has said "God Only Knows" was a stroke of genius on Brian's part. And, that's the musical genius behind the Beatles.

[@5roundsrapid263]

It was like the space race, but with music. Both sides competing, but the whole world reaping the benefits.

[@11superchelseafc]

The Beatles' "Penny Lane" also has a key change hidden in plain sight, it's a kind of slight of hand because you feel like the last chorus is the key change, but really every previous chorus shifts down, a slick key change on it's own, but when they stay in the original key in the last chorus instead of modulating down it feels like a key change...brilliant, miraculous imo

[@NeverTookTheTime]

I would love to see/hear an analysis of "Penny Lane" (please).

[@jeremykeaton274]

Your analysis of Penny Lane isn't exactly correct. Each verse of Penny Lane moves from its key of B major to a E major chord at the end. This becomes the dominant (V) and the key changes to A for the chorus. Then, at the end of every chorus, it moves from the key of A to an F# major chord, the dominant (V) to go back into B for the verse. The last chorus does start off by doing the normal key change to A that happens each time. And it gets to the F# major chord at the end of the chorus, as if to move to a verse in B. But there are no more verses: the last chorus is a double chorus. So it repeats the chorus, but in B, where the harmony wanted to move because the verses are all in B. So the last chorus has two repetitions, the first in A like normal, and then for the first time in B.

[@andyjay9346]

sleight of hand

[@Defenderman123]

@@NeverTookTheTime Before I point you towards a great analysis of Penny Lane I just gotta thank David here for a fantastic foray into engaging key changes. Check out Howard Goodall. His analysis is very insightful.

[@diebydeath]

how was Brandon's analysis not exactly correct? it wasn't as specific as your explanation, but i didn't read anything really wrong with his summary.

[@spyderlogan4992]

Now I know what enthralls me about 'Uptown Girl'...those key changes propel the entire song. Thanks David~!

[@eamonndillon9532]

The ¨technical¨ name of that cheesy semi tone jump for the last chorus is ¨the truck driver´s gear change¨

[@fundymentalism]

hmmm. I've always used 'trucker shift' for any abrupt key change, not just for a last chorus. Which on rereading your comment, you didn't disclude other instances. So. I'll. just stop writing now. lol.

[@pianojonathan]

In Norway it is sometimes known as the Melodi Grand Prix (that's what we call Eurovision Song Contest) modulation :p

[@violentpolska]

lol cool! never heard that b4 kinda funny

[@Joejobass]

We used to call those "pigeon modulations:" plop! - you're there.

[@philotomybaar]

At Berklee, one of my professors called it a Barry Manilow. 😂

[@stefanocancelli8654]

Nice analysis! One of my favs is Earth, Wind and Fire's "After the Love is Gone". Apparently Jay Graydon and David Foster kept one upping each other when writing it to see how many modulations they could get away with and still sound musical.

Oh yeah. I taught myself that one by ear a couple years ago. That has some ingenious changes.

[@henkdevries2002]

That pivot modulation in Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds where the minor chord is the iv-minor of the first key and the iii-minor of the second key, can also be found in the song 'Girls on the Beach' by the Beach Boys. Very nice key change.

[@CiscoWes]

When you run out of lyrics, just change key and keep on with the same thing.

[@puremusicdaz]

worked for morrissey. only he didn't bother with the key change.

[@CiscoWes]

daz nez oh yeah it works. There's a lot of songs that do that.

[@SwordsmanRyan]

Works for Yes

[@comic4relief]

I sometimes just go la la la-lala la

[@maetzchenmusik]

@@jetstream6389 Only if it's mirrored by abominably monotonous repetitions of one- or two-bar figures on the musical hand. Bach's cantatas e.g. are full of arias containing loads of lyric repetitions, not musical.

[@thesingingfiddler]

I'd never seen that Brian Wilson clip but that was heartwarming to hear him say. Great video

[@chrisjt86]

Look up George Martin interviewing Brian Wilson. They go into Brian's studio and George plays "musical detective" with "God Only Knows."

[@5roundsrapid263]

George Martin, the legend that he was, was just in awe of Brian. Two massive talents.

[@Mattteus]

Shame on me for forgetting how incredible The Carpenters were.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Super underrated band!

[@萩原順子-l6c]

"We've only just begun" is not by the Carpenters, but by Paul Williams.

[@neurofire]

@@萩原順子-l6c just saw Paul Williams play a marvelous character in Goliath (Prime Video) what a super talented artist he is. One of my favorite PW songs is Waking Up Alone: Not nearly as complicated as We've Only Just Begun but sweet chord and melody nonetheless. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGqspXhnabKKndk

[@musictecedu]

Actually for that 2 bars of Bm7 in the chorus going back to the verse you mentioned, the 2nd bar of the Bm7 had an E bass, effectively making that Bm7/E which is an E9sus4 (or E11?), making it the dominant of A major (key of the verse)

[@khae_g]

The best.

[@DidIDoGoodMum]

Here’s me learning more about music in 15 minutes than in 11 years of music lessons in school 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@neilbarnett3046]

Good point, but school music lessons aren't to teach you this, music THEORY lessons teach you this. School music lessons are to give you the background to music, get you listening and playing and maybe you'll take it further. Sorry, this will sound patronising, but bear with me, it may be some use to someone: It's the same with other subjects, much of the syllabus is to teach you to learn, to give you the skills to find stuff out and develop your ideas, not to train you. Science lessons, not meant to give everyone a career in science, tech lessons, not meant to make 30 engineers, maths lessons, just enough to make you numerate (or give you the tools to do science or engineering) but not a mathematician and so on. I taught music for 3 days on supply, it was harrowing, like watching my wife being insulted. Able kids didn't need me, others didn't want to be there, some wanted to be rappers and didn't see the use of a lesson, some didn't want to do what the regular teacher had set, and so on...

[@DidIDoGoodMum]

@@neilbarnett3046 don‘t get me wrong, I always loved my music teachers. They were these eccentric people that made music lessons fun. And it‘s not their fault, it‘s the fault of what our senate says must be teached and it‘s absolutely fine to teach about musicals and so on. But instead of listening to 12-tone-music for three lessons, teaching the circle of fifths for the same time and let students compose their own little pieces would give so much more. Instead of watching and analyzing west side story for weeks I think one could interest children more by taking this time and analyzing all different styles of music there is. I understand the „teaching to learn“ aspect but so many people I talk to don‘t even know what they wanna do after school. It should be more about finding your strengths, getting an overview about as much as you can and learning about stuff you need in life. The only subject that really did that well was history. We breezed threw all the times, stopped were it was necessary. When I walked out of school I didn’t have any plan on how to file my taxes, sew, clean, get my stuff straight. We had 2 days where we learned on how to write an application but even that I learned more from my history teacher who made us write as many essays as he could to polish our writing skills. Music could teach on how to get into the music industry, all the jobs that are a part of like a concert or a label and which ways to go to get there. That wouldn‘t be just more interesting but would give children useful information they need for the future. That would help the interested children and the week after you make children compose their own songs to interest them who aren’t it yet. Again, I always had great music teachers and I was always good with music. It wasn‘t about the teachers, it‘s just the syllabus that‘s flawed.

[@ethanpfeiffer7403]

After the Love has Gone by Earth, Wind, and Fire has a lot of good key changes.

[@BrianKanner]

Me: That was an interesting song. David: The Am chord used in the 5th position coincided with the upside-down major 7th that confirms that the key has now become E with an added element of... ... ...

[@2msvalkyrie529]

@ Brian Yeah , but I actually understood what you said ..

[@donikuntoro671]

Hahaha.....depend on left brain and right brain synchronization....

[@nationaltrevor255]

Quarter past two.

[@PodcastRady]

I subscribed for piano songs and now I get excellent music analysis videos. A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one

[@DavidBennettPiano]

So glad you like it. I do often wonder whether I put off subscribers by uploading different types of video. Glad you're happy. Thanks

[@PodcastRady]

I really liked the video, you explained your point very well. Good content will always be good content ;)

[@miguelsoria8243]

Great Palpatine reference

[@1dareu2mov3]

Well, it appears that r/PrequelMemes has leaked even into KZbin comments. "My lord, is that legal?"

[@miguelsoria8243]

1dareu2mov3 I will make it legal

[@dwightlaw2105]

And I love her The Beatles wonderful key change hidden in George's guitar

[@austynhl9484]

Yes! Such a gorgeous and subtle song.

[@BlueSparkle]

Oh yes, I love the song.

[@Lucille_McCartney73]

Paul’s voice in that song and in “Till there was you” tho... 🤤🤤🤤

[@EdMcF1]

I heard an intervoew with Billy Joel. He said that he'd heard some lift 'muzak' and thought it was a rip-off of Uptown Girl. He got his lawyers onto it, but dropped the matter when he found out it was by Mozart.

[@michaelryan5364]

I don't think I've ever heard an entire Billy Joel song.

[@seanscanlon9067]

I am not disputing the lift story but Billy took classical piano lessons from the age of four and knows Mozart well and was probably embellishing the story for effect. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vQhIajlLd-mKs

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

So no doubt Billy dug up Mozart, to put him on trail right away?

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Billy Joel music is garbage

[@ClavisRa]

Uptown girl sounds like harpsichord music a lot, so that's not that shocking actually, lol.

[@CanBabaluma]

Cool video. Enjoyed how you're able to use technical music theory language without getting bogged down by it.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you - glad the video is clear :)

[@Jimplaysdrums]

Love the videos David. You’re a hell of a musician. You should check out almost the entire Disney repertoire for really inventive key changes. I particularly recommend “You’ll Be In My Heart” (Phil Collins, from Tarzan) and “When will my life begin” from Tangled. I’m sat with a bass in my hand right now trying to fathom how someone just comes up with that! The key changes are mental, but they work so well!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you. Disney music can have some clever tricks worked in!

[@HotStrange]

Man Pet Sounds is the best album ever. Such a huge stroke of genius.

[@him12672]

B-but Sgt. Peppers!

[@mitsu7904]

@@him12672 as great as Sgt Pepper is, Pet Sounds is a masterpiece that settles my soul. Anytime I'm stressed or have anxiety, I play Pet Sounds. It is medicine. Sgt Pepper can't do that for me.

[@peterkelly8357]

I wondered why the thumbnail for this video reminded me of the Pet Sounds album cover

[@Leahonomatopia]

Shame Brian didn't agree with you...

[@anniesavidge2468]

Even the Beatles thought pet sounds was the best album they’d ever heard

[@bandkampp2603]

In my opinion, the Beatles song “here there and everywhere” is there most interesting and inventive key change.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Paul said it was a tribute to The Beach Boys! It was one of the first songs the Beatles wrote after they heard Pet Sounds.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

It flips to g minor and then back to G major so not a key change modulation really. Just a stunning melody that is yet again why The Beatles are still unsurpassed to this day. I love it so much I play it really often on piano and my acoustic guitar.

[@maetzchenmusik]

@@MICKEYISLOWD The first composer who was really into changing modes is Franz Schubert. Frequently he used sudden major-minor changes and vice versa to darken or brighten the scene of the song, the movement etc.. It's one of Schubert's key features.

[@diegooogle]

@@maetzchenmusik Could kindly give us some examples. Schubert's music is very moving.

[@maetzchenmusik]

@@diegooogle Take e.g. the Impromptus D 889 C minor, E flat major, A flat major (starts with G sharp minor) or D 935 A flat major, F minor. Or, very famous, The Lindenbaum, 1st part of the 2nd stanza in contrast the 2nd part and to the other stanzas. Or piano sonata no. 21 C minor. Or the six moments musicaux. And that's just a random pick. You will find those colorful changes almost everywhere in Schubert's catalogue.

[@jeffclaterbaugh6415]

Brian Wilson was a gift from heaven for mankind. This man was so gifted… he knew how to move the root note of s cord and created some of the most beautiful music of all time. He is parallel to Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin etc.

[@brianwalendy3735]

Not dead yet

[@brianwalendy3735]

@@josephdrach2276 I can't believe you took up so much space being an asshole and *trying so hard to sound intelligent. Someone with a shred of decency would rethink their decision and delete that pile of garbage comment.

[@brianwalendy3735]

@@josephdrach2276 dude you need to quit the drugs. And I will listen to the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson wrote more than a few Jan and Dean songs, most of which I enjoy. It's strange how angry you sound while telling me to do something I enjoy. You're like the always angry gay guy from Parks and Rec. However your attitude and timing of your messages tells me that you are high, and I just woke up and am too tired for that shit, so enjoy your day. Meth is a helluva drug.

[@brianwalendy3735]

@@josephdrach2276 oh. Just an angry old ass. Didn't hurt my feelings, but do you are way of base. You might want to invest in some drugs, your humorless old shit.

[@josephdrach2276]

@@nannite Indeed,Scott Joplin was a great ragtime composer and his work sounds so fresh and alive to this day.John Coltrane did many interpretations of other people's works but he did so brilliantly.My Favorite things and Afro Blue are favorites of mine.He wrote such amazing songs as Dear Lord and Alabama.Alabama opens with a Melody written to the rhythm of Martin Luther King's address concerning the fire bombing of a church in which a number of little black kids were waiting for Sunday school to start or something like that.They all were burned to death.The song takes on a whole new meaning for me now since I learned of where the inspiration came from.John Coltrane could write,arrange and improvise beautifully.There are so many others like Charlie Parker,Bud Powell,Ahmad Jamal,Bill Evans and of course Miles Davis,Just to mention a few.Amazingly creative people.

[@bradwatson1048]

I was in a choral group in high school (mid 70s), and we had to audition for a new alto (I think). One girl came in and sang Up, Up and Away - a cappella, straight off the radio - and nailed it. I remember the sheet music - but for those who don't, it's one seriously complex song. Why she didn't get the gig, I don't know. Incredible ear.

[@antonnym214]

Such a treat to see Brian Wilson! Well done! The man is a true legend. All good wishes, Brian.

[@TheStrayheartsBand]

I loved this video! I’ve always been fascinated by these crazy modulations. Great explanation on these!

[@alexpinegar9638]

I’ve always been fascinated by how “New Kid in Town” (Eagles) seamlessly goes from E major to C major and then goes back to E major.

[@sarahdrawz]

Yes❤ I love that part

[@bellamyhibler]

you literally taught me chord progression better than my professor.

[@auletjohnast03638]

anabella nicole, I can teach you better, baby.

[@lolxd6154]

@@auletjohnast03638 Shut up loser

[@Retroboxmedia]

Some of my favorite crafted key changes in Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down The Line" and Celine Dion's "That's The Way It Is" composed by the remarkable, Diane Warren. I love Beach Boys key changes cause Wilson always made it sound like the melody was in the "driver's seat" and the underlining harmonic structure was subservient to the melody. I love that approach to melody writing; allowing the melody to be preeminent. The ones that 'sneak up on you' are always the best. "Left turns" as Roy Orbison often called it!

[@Silver-Ellipsis]

In "God Only Knows," the ambiguity of the key, and how the keys seem to flow into each other in a kind of circular pattern, seems to match the meandering and kind of circular narrative of the lyrics, and it reminds me very strongly of what happens when I sit there and actually try and describe my love to someone. I go in these wistful, stream-of-consciousness circles. What a song.

[@LiamPorterFilms]

I appreciate your unadorned style of educational video - no overbearing ego as is typical on KZbin. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@michaelharleman3975]

"The Song is Over" by The Who changes key from F to G to C# to Eb to C But it sounds great!

[@dolvaran]

The songs of the 50s-80s were written by people who aspired to be musicians (even if they had little or no formal training). Too much of what has come since has been written by people who aspire to be famous.

[@pierredevaughn]

My God that’s one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard 💯

[@rbseven2714]

As Joe Strummer once said, songs are now being written by accountants and packaged like items on a conveyer belt!!

[@gund2281]

BINGO

[@kevinchisolm1847]

The Beatles wanted to be famous as much as anything else. There were so many bands on the scene in Liverpool all playing covers of American rock and roll. When playing a show if they were late in the line up they were forced to play the same songs the audience had already heard. In an effort to stop that they started writing and playing their own songs just to be able to be different from everyone else. After awhile they became known for their original songs and the "Beatles" began acquiring a name. (said by Paul McCartney in an interview)

[@DougMcDave]

I would say much is not written by their performers, but by those who know how to write a commercial product for mass consumption. It's disgusting!!!

[@howeigreenbro6477]

Thank-you for helping to unlock the mystery behind music. Very clearly presented and easy to understand. I never realized there was so much going on in the construction of these songs. But it is encouraging to see the songwriting craft of these musicians who blew past 3 chord songs and showed us more creative artistry. Now it makes me wonder--have the classical composers been doing this stuff all along??

[@raymykrumrei7385]

Great video! When I teach this concept to my students, we look at Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It,” The Beatles’ “Penny Lane,” and The Eagles’ “New Kid in Town. “

[@b1j]

I just suggested New Kid in Town and then read that you had done it a month ago.

[@charliekelland7564]

@@b1j I was just about to suggest New Kid In Town :D

[@arthouston7361]

Thank you for enhancing my late-to-the-party music knowledge. As a former "radio presenter" in Philadelphia, I have had the internal structure, but not the intellectual aspect of music. Your clip of Brian really highlights the difference..being able to bring the music up from your heart and out through your body. Learning how music works is like peeking behind the curtain. It's very satisfying.

[@rickroberts9182]

I know I've commented before about Paul Simon in another of your videos but consider the wonderful key change in "Still crazy after all these years". Incredible and magically unexpected.

[@purplealice]

Billy Joel has a lot of technical musical training.

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

He had piano lessons and he loved Beethoven.

[@waxhead63]

Yeah but the man is a first class arsehole who shit on his long time band “ friends “ ? Let him smother in his own shit songs

[@anthonydavis9662]

@@waxhead63 You could only hope to have both the money he's made and the women he's laid because of his "shit songs". What a JEALOUS comment.

[@paulharbinson1174]

His live singing was abominable

[@waxhead63]

@@paulharbinson1174 He voice if fkn terrible any fkn time

[@DamonKClark]

Great analysis! “You Give Good Love” (sung by Whitney Houston and written by LaForrest Cope) has some of the most interesting key changes I’ve ever heard. I absolutely love that song!

[@williamb2845]

Todd Rundgren eats key changes for breakfast. And Brian Wilson is the greatest musical genius of the last 60 years. He knew it and it drove him mad.

[@Quarrymen69]

Carpenters have some great songs. Karen Carpenter's voice...beautiful.

[@SMPMS8389]

Her voice touches my soul

[@jimhowland8965]

I think she had the most beautiful female voice of the modern age. Her range and power were untouchable, and when she toned it down her voice would make me melt. What an incredible talent and such a devastating loss. And to think she really didn't want to sing at the beginning of her career. She just wanted to sit behind her drum kit and play.

[@therealcaldini]

Goose pimples right up my legs and arms listening to that key change

[@ryanmorrison4031]

Ughhhhh I'm so glad I'm not the only one obsessed with her voice! I always get weird looks when I mention it...

[@cmjcj2ktn]

I clicked on this video because it featured the Carpenters. Karen's voice is unmatched. It's tough to be a guy and like the Carpenters, but it's worth it.

[@zacrunmusic]

This is the best thing I’ve ever found in KZbin, never learned so much.

[@kineticarrangements]

other solid examples: The Police's "Invisible Sun" - Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" - Queen - 311 - et cetera, et cetera

[@jan279]

One of my favorite key changes is the outro solo in The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy, love how the twin leads are harmonizing while maneuvering up the fretboard, making for an epic finale to the song.

[@GabrielVelasco]

Wow! Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@Automaticman88]

Californiacation solo section is the relative minor (F#m) to the parallel major(A)of the verse section(Am). One of my favorite key change ideas.

[@eddyfree33]

Automaticman . As in the four piece funk fusion band?

[@definitiveentertainment1658]

Well done! I have always enjoyed the chord structure of Uptown Girl! It’s very rare to see anyone else recognize the genius of Billy Joel these days!

[@VelAntuManthureie]

Thanks David for your work.

[@ailishbethd4033]

God Only Knows is a genius song. It's given me a headache trying to find out what key it's in. Thanks for this.

[@BazColne]

That was interesting, and with superb graphics to make it all work visually.

[@scottsessions3240]

Loved that clip of Brian wilson and George Martin at the end. When George says God Only Knows is still the best song ever and caused the Beatles to wake up that kind of nails it.

[@jordanraney3681]

I never even realized that Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds changes keys and I've listened to that song a thousand times.

[@faruk7487]

I mean.. You gotta be stupid then

[@sunburstmike8745]

They stopped doing these sophisticated, intelligent, interesting, and wonderful musical entwinings because music stopped being sophisticated, intelligent, interesting, and wonderful ... thereby not needing anything of such grand design as "key shifts etc." Fantastic video my young friend. Keep telling ur peers about when music was fab!

[@bordershader]

I'd argue that music has never stopped being sophisticated, intelligent, interesting and so on - but A&R men have...

[@kevinwrede]

Any Joe on the street can have a pop hit these days thanks to computers. What’s missing is the education and talent to create real art.

[@petervad]

Fantastic, thanks! A great explanation. And really good to have put the snippet of Brian Wilson interview at end. Cheers.

[@playingintraffic9037]

You forgot Cheap Trick's Surrender! Most people don't know what hit them when the first key change happens because it's right as the song starts, but it's what makes the song work.

[@deldia]

PlayingInTraffic it’s still the same song without that change. I don’t think anyone really disagrees.

[@wheatonna]

Great example. I learned that one by having to play it. Very original.

[@vernonsmart]

I think the snippet of the interview with Brian Wilson at the end makes an important point: Neither he nor the Beatles thought about the harmonic complexities of modes, key changes, etc. Rather, the music that came out of them was rich with these things almost by a subconscious inventiveness. Their music was the product of inspiration rather than artifice.

[@steamboy101]

I'm glad I've found your videos! I took a 'music theory for non-music majors' in college and am always wanting to learn more about the technical aspects behind all types of music. The rules for chords and modulation were worked out long ago, but you do a great job of pointing out that it's the nuanced breaking of those rules that transform boring and expected into something that perk up our ears. Great delivery and format. Keep them coming!

[@mollywoodcock5444]

"Brian shall we do a song in A, E or D?" "Yes"

[@ChrisOwenGuitar]

One of my favourite key changes is in “Up the junction” by Squeeze. Starts off in E, and after an ingenious middle 8, changes to D, then back to E. The middle 8 and fantastic lyrics make that song for me.

[@simondrew2914]

Great video. You should maybe have pointed out that the clue to the key changes in 'God Only Knows' lies in the logical progression of the bass line, which acts as an anchor and helps to orientate the listener to anticipate the (otherwise unpredictable) key changes.

[@Merseyrock]

Hi! David. "Penny Lane" is another great example of a track featuring inventive key changes! (Great research btw.)

[@Richard_Jones]

There's a very good analysis of this and other Beatles songs by Howard Goodall that was shown on the BBCsome years ago. I'm sure you can find it on YT.

[@Merseyrock]

Thanks! Richard. Very good indeed. I did see it a few years back; I liked the bit where Goodall explained modulation, comparing shifting key changes in harmonies as changing and rearranging interior house designs...very creative!

[@Richard_Jones]

@@Merseyrock I'm watching it again right now (haha)

[@Merseyrock]

So am I, haha. The bit on modulation starts @17:25 btw

[@tonsteintjes1959]

Penny Lane is really amazing and fun because there is this strange modulation a step down (to A) on the words 'very strange' and on 'meanwhile back' a step back to B (step up). This is something J.S. Bach did very often (rhetoric).Common in his time but forgotten after he died. Unbelievable that McCartney could achieve such greatness by looking at what was before in popmusic and developing it in to so much more and even using things long forgotten without knowing about them I'm sure.

[@yesloow]

Nothing ever beats Coltrane's key change in My Favorite Things. First time I heard it, it absolutely blew my mind.

[@lucythomasclassics]

Hi David, I'm really enjoying all your videos, thanks very much! One song that I'd be fascinated to hear your analyse of is "Living In Another World" which has one of the most astonishingly original harmonic structures I've ever heard! It seems to continually rise in key and has been described as the musical equivalent to the Escher staircase optical illusion pictures. All the best.

[@charliekelland7564]

(by Talk Talk)

[@ffggddss]

You know, I think you've crystallized for me the major part of the reason I like songs from that era so much more than the bulk of more recent music. Or than the doo-wop of the 50's. I really like the song choices you've made here - both the songs themselves, and the way they fit the thesis. "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel was a very strong "callback" to The Four Seasons' song-style (which you point out later). Many of their songs prior to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," could be subjected to this analysis. Maybe most of them are just interesting chord changes rather than actual key changes, but to me, anyway, that's just as much of a "hook." I'm thinking: Ronnie, Dawn, Rag Doll, Connie-O, Working My Way Back to You, Opus 17, Silence Is Golden (covered by The Tremelos), Bye Bye Baby; maybe more... Sooooo many other songs by other artists that could be added to this. One great example: The Warmth of the Sun, by The Beach Boys. Also, Good Vibrations; their spin around much of the circle of fifths in California Girls; Don't Worry Baby; I Get Around; Dance Dance Dance; Wouldn't It Be Nice. It Don't Matter to Me, by Bread Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues - both by Elton John (& Bernie Taupin) No Milk Today, by Herman's Hermits Laugh Laugh, by the Beau Brummels - for another excursion around a swath of the circle of fifths I Know a Place; Don't Sleep in the Subway - both by Petula Clark Story of Isaac, by Judy Collins (written by Leonard Cohen) - constant, crazy key changes that actually work! Mr. Dyingly Sad, by the Critters (famous for their 1 & only hit - The Lovin Spoonfuls' song, Younger Girl) Time in a Bottle, by Jim Croce - just a simple, but captivating switch back & forth between the major and minor of the same key What a Fool Believes, by The Doobie Brothers Jukie's Ball, by Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks - circle of fifths traversal, yet again Sunset Grill, by Don Henley Hotel California, by The Eagles California Promises; Six Hours Ahead of the Sun - both by Steve Goodman Words; I've Got To Get a Message to You - both by the Bee Gees I could probably go on, but this will do for now. Fred

[@DukeIrritable]

One of the cleverest modulations ever - "Last Chance Texaco" by Rickie Lee Jones. Modulates ingeniously from verse in F# to chorus in G (via the pivot chord D) and back again. Instead of planing up a semitone - the cliche "truckdriver's modulation" - it moves (in F#) IV, iv to (in G) V, IV9#11, etc. Then eventually pivots back to F# via D (F# being the III of D). Brilliant and mysterious.

[@ipsurvivor]

Great video. Love the analysis. Love the music for you selected for this.

[@jonnuanez2843]

Broken Wings from Mr. Mister has an interesting modulation into the chorus. It goes from the major to the minor and then follows the according progression.

[@jeff7775]

The A and C trains are 2 of the very few subway lines that go to the uptown area of Manhattan, the song Billy Joel intimates. Coincidence the modulated prechorus key changes are A and C? Further one often has to transfer from the E train - main key of Uptown Girl. Hmmm...

[@BitcoinWillFixEverything]

Well, there's the A/C/E, the 4/5/6, the 1/2/3, the B/D, and the Q. THAT would be an interesting progression.

[@jeff7775]

Critical Thinking Skills yes, capped by the J Z - with a cameo from Beyoncé:)

[@larrysiegel4078]

Very good presentation - thank you! I like the way that McCartney gets back and forth from the verse to the middle 8 in "Maybe I'm Amazed." Also a great example of a song which is hard to pin the key down on is "Wichita Lineman" by Jimmy Webb. Recorded by Glen Campbell.

[@zenobardot]

At the beginning of the video, David missed an opportunity to mention that the kind of ham-fisted modulation found in "Man in the Mirror" is sometimes called a "truck driver's gear change".

[@nielsg4043]

I've heard it as the "Eurovision trick"

[@eieiolsenstudios4321]

As my sweet ma called it, The Mack The Knife Trick. “You ran out of ideas? Bump up the key. AGAIN.”

[@swarfmonster3998]

I have never laughed so hard.… Well played!

[@andiemorgan961]

And the amazing thing is The Beatles had NO formal music training. It all came instinctively! Some people have just got a natural ear for blending melodies.

[@noeleadie1221]

Remember the 5th Beatle was their record producer George Martin, who had enough musical training for the 5 of them.

[@terrythekittieful]

@@noeleadie1221 Yes, but Martin didn't have enough rock and roll training so both parties were good for each other,

[@noeleadie1221]

@@terrythekittieful If you read George's autobiography "All You Need Is Ears" you will see that he humbly accepts this. This was a true partnership of minds!

[@justinmolanick7989]

Or the lack of training kept their ears unlocked.

[@Zach-bt2ky]

justin molanick idiotic + solipsistic. musical education doesn’t hinder any creativity. that’s why classically trained composers can still appreciate songs by the velvet underground (musically simple and almost amateurish, yet inventive) and cite them as an influence. People who say that it does are trying to convince themselves that.

[@gerrydempsey2490]

Excellent. Musical analysis that is easy to understand and relevant. A nice minor third shift in chorus of She's Always a Woman to Me.

[@blackmaster7455]

Great observations of today's music vs music of the 1950's, 60's, and 70's. Key changes are pretty much absent now. Great work!

[@fabricioguido8202]

@@andreaiachini7517 I don't knw if you're trolling or if you are really just very dumb. How does the artifact used for music creation affect the composition?

[@pectenmaximus231]

Key changes are definitely not absent in current pop...

[@SvenSwans]

What? Lol

[@hernancasco6937]

Every Disney song.

[@estevaocabral6169]

Tame impala Crumb Melody´s echo chamber Boogarins Tera Melos(warning) We do have some good key changing artists nowdays

[@EdwardCurrent]

My nomination for most innovative key change is the Kinks' "Come Dancing": Toward the end it modulates down a major 3rd for the instrumental outro.

[@paulmaryon9088]

Yes now that is something

[@richarddelgado2723]

I respectfully disagree cause while what Davies did was great everyone could hear that there was a big key change Even a non Musian might be able tell something happened there The best modulations are the ones where nobody can tell what happened What do you think?

[@EdwardCurrent]

@@richarddelgado2723 Yes, I love modulations where there's a bridge chord sequence that winds up in a different key and no one notices. But there's also something to be said for big, dramatic, unexpected modulations, and the Kinks song is a good example of that kind.

[@richarddelgado2723]

@@EdwardCurrent well said my friend Very good point 👍

[@fredbach6039]

I gotta say, I really like your clear analysis. I don't have to stop and ponder a lot to understand you Thanks.

[@XistoKente]

I really like the unnanounced key change into Californication's solo. Frusciante finishes the chorus by hanging on a Dm, then suddenly begins soloing in F#m. No secondary dominant to smooth out the transition, still it works fine.

[@althealligator1467]

I would argue that Dm is a chord that points you toward F#m, not that it's necessary for that to be the case to just change keys. I don't like using the term "dominant" because it's not exactly a good representation of what I mean, but basically it points you toward certain chords.

[@georgesonm1774]

How does a Dm point towards F#m? Please explain this, since it really seems far from obvious to me - is it because it points towards A and A is related to F#m?

[@tonybates7870]

You deserve many more subscribers and views - this is an excellent channel.

[@_memo71_]

Check out the key changes in Knights of Cydonia by Muse. It took me by surprise by how subtle it is. I always thought it was entirely in Em until I tried jamming over it last year!

[@neilrichardkelly]

thanks for a very clear exposition of some classic modulations. Great choices. at first I thought the first appearance of Bb in Lucy in the sky with diamonds felt like a IV chord, but your analysis is ultimately the best solution! Thanks again for your excellent selection of tunes! ps in "We've only just begun" by Paul Williams (how great is he!) performed by The Carpenters (how great is she!) the D "pivot note"over firstly the Bb chord and then the b minor is simply brilliant! I agree with you, "God only knows" is full of ambiguity... so great - one of my all time favourites. However, again I hear a lot of the chords, like the A as a IV rather than a tonic, like a beginning of a descent from IV to I which is rarely, if ever, fully satisfied. Your main point though, that gradually shifting harmony definitely creates a floating 'unstable' motion is spot on. great stuff, keep them coming... :) other suggestions, hmmm.... not so much for modulation but for amazing combinations of chords and melody: Strawberry Fields & Sexie Sadie. and 'why did sophisticated harmonic activity 'phase out in the 80s..?' I'd suggest style - the punk revolution shunned "sophistication"... but there are plenty of exceptions. Elvis Costello to name one.. clearly owes a huge debt to Bacharach, et al.

[@jasonfeingold2314]

The Eagles' "New Kid in Town" cleverly manages to modulate from E to G and back to E, again.

[@specialkalberta]

Good one. I was going to say that

[@donntakebayashi9424]

"Never Gonna Let You Go" by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil changes keys like 20 times. I wrote out a lead sheet for it. It's amazing how smoothly they transition from one key to the next.

[@2011littleguy]

I love this video. As a songwriter, I love how composers use modulation, even going back to the classical period. Of course, some more recent composers were no stranger to skipping merrily across keys: Gershwin,, Rodgers, Loesser, Porter and all the Broadway and big band songs from about 1930 to 1960. My fave of the songs mentioned here is God Only Knows. Even the one chord (D) has an A bass note.Talk about ambiguous! I remember going to the piano and figuring out the chords. I had to peek at the sheet music for some chord changes! And I have a "good ear" for chords. One of the things that makes some modulations work is a bass note progression. The three chords right before "I may not always love you..." have the bass sequence of E to F# to G and landing on A to begin the vocal. Hmmm... what key has E F# G and A? It's D. (For the key of A, the lead up bass notes would be E F# G# A. BUT notice that the G natural is in the key of D - versus the G# which is in the key of A). Thus, I believe the song is definitely in D. Therefore I agree with David. Glory be! lol A small criticism of David's analysis. I wish he would concentrate more on bass sequences rather than the old style of classic analysis made famous by Walter Piston in-the forties, which focuses on common tones between keys and the cycle of fifths for modulation. It does not focus on bass notes (but it does mention bass note modulation, and yes, HARMONY by Piston is still the bible for music theory, imo.). And damn if those bass notes don't trump modulation via pivot, common tone, or other device. Pump us the bass to find the key! lol

[@mistertwister2000]

I’m glad the Carpenters are getting some love, they’re so overlooked despite being some of the best musicians of the century.

[@zenobardot]

The Carpenters are wonderful musicians. Most of their strongest songs were written by others (in this case, Paul Williams, in a song that was originally written as a bank jingle). Richard Carpenter was a great arranger and A&R guy for Karen.

[@archangelgtg8431]

Also, in Twenty One Pilots "House of Gold" the chorus is in F major, moving to Dm, then an A major 7 chord for interest, up to the 4th (B flat mj) and after coming back to F, moves to the original key of C

[@helenpoisson2209]

This is so clear! Such a help in understanding how these wonderful modulations work. Thank you, David.

[@deantomanelli5239]

Paul Simon "Still Crazy After All These Years" - brilliant.

[@juppster5694]

Yeah, good call there Dean Tomanelli - would certainly be worth hearing David's take on it.

[@frogindeed]

Cat Stevens's "Morning Has Broken" oscillates between C major and D major with gorgeously integrated transitions cemented in place with suspended chords, crafted by a not-yet-famous pianist called Rick Wakeman (who, the story goes, did it for a £10 fee that he never even received). The changes aren't buried in the singing, but they certainly do not fall into the life-support category.

[@wunderdoggy]

frogindeed Oh no. Didn’t he do Bowie stuff as well.

[@davidgerber9317]

Thanks for the info. I always liked "Morning has Broken", but I never knew it was Rick Wakeman on keys!

[@Trystaticus]

Was listening to What You Are by Dave Matthews Band today and reminded me of this great video. The first verse of What You Are are in F#m, and on the first beat of the chorus, it changes straight from the tonic of the original key straight to the tonic of the new key, Am. It changes back to F#m at the end of the chorus and goes through this once again F#m, Am, F#m, Am but then at the end of that second chorus, instead of modulating to F#m again, it modulates to F# *major* and you get a middle eight in the original key's parallel major before modulating from F# to Am for another chorus. All the key changes are a minor third away from each other, which is about the most standard distance for pop music key changes, but it's the way it sets up expectations and breaks them just as you think you know what's coming that makes me love its changes. Very cool song.

[@SixTailights]

By far the best key I’ve ever heard is in the Beach Boys’ ‘Goin’ On’ in the instrumental break. It’s an absolutely glorious moment

[@johnpauld2009]

Also 'getcha back' by the Beach Boys has a great key change