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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song, “As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones, is primarily in the key of G major. Its chord progression contains elements of classic pop songwriting, particularly from the 1960s, featuring major and minor chords, functional harmony, and a few borrowed chords. The verse has a repeating chord sequence that eventually concludes with a resolution to the tonic chord.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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“Yesterday” is predominantly composed in the key of F Major. The song is a classic in pop songwriting and showcases the effective use of borrowed chords to capture a unique, nostalgic sound that has made it one of the most covered songs in pop music. Specifically, in this verse, the use of secondary dominants and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key provides the song’s distinctive tonal color.

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“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song characterized by various compositional techniques including chromaticism, borrowed chords, and unexpected chord progressions. The harmonic choices show Hendrix’s innovation as a songwriter, with influences of blues, rock, and jazz. The chord progression in Verse 3 mixes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression.

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This is simply a repetition of the F major chord, played four times. This does not provide much variety or harmonic interest, but it might create a sense of stability and could be used to produce a strong tonal center.

The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression for Verse 3, with full chord names and their Roman numeral notation:

G major (I) – A major (V/IV) – C major (IV) – D major (V) – G major (I) – A major (V/IV) – C major (IV) – D major (V) – C major (IV) – D major (V) – G major (I) – D/F# major (V/1st inversion) – E minor (vi) – C major (IV) – D major (V)

Borrowed Chord:
The A major chord can be considered a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key, G minor. The chord is used to create a brighter, more uplifting sound, and serves as a secondary dominant chord leading to C major.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
G major (I) – C major (IV) – G major (I) – D major (V) – C major (IV) – G major (I) – D major (V) – C major (IV) – D major (V)

2. “Wild World” by Cat Stevens
G major (I) – A major (V/IV) – C major (IV) – D major (V) – G major (I) – A major (V/IV) – C major (IV) – D major (V)

3. “More Than A Feeling” by Boston
G major (I) – A major (V/IV) – C major (IV) – D major (V) – G major (I)

“As Tears Go By” is an example of how a simple but effective chord progression can provide a strong foundation for memorable lyrics and melodies, resulting in a classic song that continues to be a favorite among fans of The Rolling Stones.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with a standard I-IV-V (G-C-D) movement, but the addition of the A major chord (V/IV) adds a chromatic twist and an interesting leading tone effect to the otherwise diatonic progression. The non-diatonic A major chord introduces tension that is released when resolving to the C major chord. The first half of the progression is repeated before moving to a conclusive I-V-vi-IV-V (G-D/F#-Em-C-D) progression, which is a common way to end a verse or chorus in popular music.

Overall Analysis

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock ballad featuring a simple, yet effective chord progression and harmonic language. The song is in the key of G major, and the chord progression features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale, with the non-diatonic A major chord included as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor) key.

Style Analysis

The Rolling Stones were heavily influenced by American blues and R&B, and “As Tears Go By” is an example of their attempt to present a more sensitive, introspective side of the band’s sound. The simple, folk-like chord progression, along with Jagger’s nostalgic and emotional lyrics, create a sentimental and poetic atmosphere that reflects the song’s title.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of As Tears Go By by The Rolling Stones are:

G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D