“What I Like About You” by The Romantics is a classic rock anthem that gets everyone moving. But beyond its catchy tune and energetic vibe, there’s some interesting music theory at play. For guitarists and music enthusiasts looking to understand the song’s structure, this lesson breaks down the key elements, scales, and chords that make this track so compelling.
Unpacking the Chord Progression
The driving force behind “What I Like About You” is its memorable chord progression, especially in the verse and chorus. This progression revolves around four chords: E, A, D, and A, played in a loop (E A D A). While seemingly simple, these chords hold the key to understanding the song’s harmonic foundation. Interestingly, this chord progression is discussed in detail in “Fretboard Theory,” which highlights the song as a prime example of specific music theory concepts.
Rooted in the A Major Scale
These chords – E, A, and D – aren’t randomly chosen. They are directly derived from the A major scale. In the key of A major, E is the V (5th), A is the I (1st), and D is the IV (4th) chord. No other major scale accommodates this exact combination of major chords. This points us to A major as the parent scale of the song, but the story doesn’t end there.
The Mixolydian Mode Twist
Here’s where things get more nuanced. While the chords originate from A major, the tonal center of “What I Like About You” isn’t A, but E. E functions as the tonic, giving the song a distinct modal flavor. When the fifth degree of a major scale acts as the tonal center, it’s identified as the Mixolydian mode. Therefore, technically, “What I Like About You” is in E Mixolydian mode. This modal context shifts the focus from the A major root to E as the central point.
Blues Scale Infusion
Rock music often incorporates blues techniques, and “What I Like About You” is no exception. A common blues approach involves using a minor third interval over a major chord, particularly effective in Mixolydian mode. The vocal melody in “What I Like About You” subtly employs this minor third, adding a bluesy edge to the otherwise major key tonality. This blues scale influence is a key ingredient in the song’s rock and roll sound, further detailed in “Fretboard Theory.”
Harmonica Solo: Following the Blues Map
The harmonica solo in the song offers another clue. A harmonica in the key of A is used. Why A? Because blues harmonica players often treat the tonic chord as a V chord and then utilize its parent major scale. In this case, with E as the tonic, the parent major scale is A. Blues harmonica techniques, including bending notes downwards, allow players to access the notes of the minor pentatonic scale, adding that signature bluesy wail.
Navigating the “Key” Confusion
The term “key” itself can be a source of confusion in music theory. “Key” can refer to the parent major scale, the tonic chord, the chord progression, or even the melody. There isn’t a single, universally agreed-upon definition. Many might casually say “What I Like About You” is in the “key of E” simply because E is the first chord. Others recognize E as the tonal center and still call it the key of E. More precisely, “E Mixolydian mode” clarifies that the parent major scale is A. Some might even say “key of A” due to the chord origins. Confusingly, a guitarist using E minor pentatonic patterns might perceive it as being in “E minor.” This illustrates the multifaceted nature of key interpretation.
Pinpointing the Key: E Mixolydian with a Blues Twist
To accurately describe the key of “What I Like About You,” “E Mixolydian mode with minor blues” is likely the most comprehensive. This description encompasses the parent major scale (A), the tonic (E), the modal characteristic (Mixolydian), and the bluesy minor third element in the melody.
Dorian Mode Connection: An Interesting Observation
An interesting side note: if you take the notes of E Mixolydian (which are the same notes as A major) and flatten the third degree (G# to G), reflecting the blues scale influence, you essentially arrive at the notes of E Dorian mode. E Dorian mode is derived from the D major scale.
Scales in Focus:
A major scale: A B C# D E F# G#
E Mixolydian mode: E F# G# A B C# D
E Mixolydian with b3: E F# G A B C# D
E Dorian: E F# G A B C# D
D major scale: D E F# G A B C#
Guitar Scale Choices for “What I Like About You”
So, what scales can guitarists use when playing over “What I Like About You”? Several options exist:
- A Major Scale Patterns: Since A major is the parent scale, these patterns are definitely usable. Remember E is the root in this modal context (E Mixolydian).
- E Major Pentatonic: Given that the tonic chord is E major, E major pentatonic works well. All notes in E major pentatonic are within the A major/E Mixolydian scale.
- E Minor Pentatonic: For a blues-rock flavor, E minor pentatonic is a great choice. With the exception of the G note, all notes of E minor pentatonic are also found within the A major/E Mixolydian scale, and the G adds that characteristic bluesy tension.
- D Major Scale Patterns / E Dorian: Combining these approaches can lead to patterns resembling the D major scale. Thinking in terms of D major scale patterns, but emphasizing E as the tonic, effectively aligns with E Dorian mode. All notes of E minor pentatonic are contained within E Dorian.
“Fretboard Theory” and Further Exploration
“What I Like About You” serves as a practical example in “Fretboard Theory” to illustrate the relationship between parent major scales and modes. Recognizing the parent major scale (A major) and the mode (E Mixolydian) is a crucial step for guitarists in understanding and improvising over such songs.
To delve deeper into scales, chords, progressions, modes, and music theory, explore resources like “Fretboard Theory.” Understanding the theory behind songs like “What I Like About You” enhances your musical knowledge and guitar playing abilities.
For more in-depth guitar theory lessons and resources, visit payoffsong.com and unlock your musical potential!
