

The verse begins on chord I, with 3 different C chords in C, Cmaj7 and C7. We also have a really nice bassline that descends through F, Eb, D and finally landing on C for the verse, which feels very natural and part of the reason why these chords were chosen.

The G7 sets up a perfect cadence to the first chord of the verse, C, as it is the V chord in the key of C. Finally we have a G7 chord with its 5th note, D, in the bass. Immediately, this is followed up with an Eb chord, which is borrowed from the parralel minor key of C Minor. Harrison starts out on F chord, which is the IV chord of C.

Here is the same scale harmonised in 4 note chords as an additional reference: C Here is the scale of C Major, harmonised in triads as a reference: C Although it is primarily in the key of C Major, it makes use of plenty of borrowed chords, as well as a nice modulation in the chorus. “Something” by The Beatles features an extremely sophisticated chord progression, with some advanced music theory concepts which you can borrow to use in your own compositions. “Something” Chord Progression – Music Theory Analysis Outline
