How do you work out how to play the opening chord of ‘A Hard Day’s Night’? Use Math, of course!
This is interesting research from the bleeding-edge interface of hard math and pop culture. The research, reported by William Weir, seems to show that the hitherto mysterious opening chord of this classic pop song can be identified, thanks to mathematician Jason Brown:
Brown, a professor of mathematics at Dalhousie University, knows of obsessing over Beatles minutiae. He spent six months researching the opening chord of “Hard Day’s Night.” For decades, its exact formation has been a notoriously elusive white whale to Beatles fans - and particularly to Beatle tribute bands. An Oxford University course on the Beatles has dedicated three days to the chord alone.
Brown’s unique brand of musical forensics identified 29,375 frequencies within one second of that chord. All but 48 were deemed irrelevant (harmonics and various studio sounds). Applying a mathematical operation known as Fourier’s Transform and specially developed software, Brown further analyzed the chord’s make-up. He concluded that it was the Beatles’ producer, George Martin, who was behind those mystery notes. He played five keys on the piano. (I blogged about his research a little while ago).
And there you have it!
Beatles + Math = Mystery Solved.
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In the meantime, listen to that famous chord, and the song it introduces: