In this installment of The Beatles In Three Chords we trace the evolution of one of the group’s signature songs, Twist & Shout.
Phil Spector produced the original version of this three-chord classic in 1961 with the Top Notes (although his version has a vi minor bridge). It was covered again in 1962 by the Isley Brothers, then in ’63 by two different British rock and roll groups, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and The Beatles. The Mamas & The Papas also recorded an odd version of the song in 1967.
The chord progression (in all but the Spector version) is your basic I-IV-V in order with a V7 tension chord thrown in for good measure during the Ahhhh-Ahhhh-Ahhhh-Ahhhh part. All four versions posted below are in different keys. If you are not used to playing, say in F#, here is your chance!
Try your hand also at playing the signature lick of the song. Here it is in the keys of C and D with the solfege syllables.
The Top Notes 1961 Key C
The Isley Brothers 1962 Key of F
The Beatles 1963 Key of D
Brian Poole & The Tremeloes 1963 Key of C
The Mamas & The Papas 1967 Key of F#
