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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is a song from the folk-rock genre. Built on simplicity with few chords used throughout the whole song, the primary focus of the song is on the hauntingly beautiful melody and the profound lyrics. It is written in the key of Am which gives the song a melancholic and somber tone.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is recognized for its use of modal interchange, specifically borrowing chords from the parallel minor, and its distinct way of blending rock and folk music elements. This piece is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in Verse 5 is simple but quite effective.

This song, “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams”, is arguably one of Green Day’s most iconic hits off their album “American Idiot”. Musically, it is set in the key of E minor, with an intermediate tempo. Its chord progression is simple but effective, proven by the song’s tremendous success.

The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black – Verse 5

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse structure for “Paint It Black” has an intriguing yet accessible chord progression. Let’s label these chords in the context of Em, the tonic key of the song.

Chord Progression:
– E minor (‘i’)
– B Major (‘V’)
– E minor (‘i’)
– B Major (‘V’)
– E minor (‘i’)
– D Major (‘VII’)
– G Major (‘III’)
– D Major (‘VII’)
– E minor (‘i’)
– E minor (‘i’)
– D Major (‘VII’)
– G Major (‘III’)
– D Major (‘VII’)
– A Major (‘IV’)
– B Major (‘V’)

“`{Chord Progression Code Block}
i – V – i – V – i – VII – III – VII – i – i – VII – III – VII – IV – V
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “I Want To Tell You” by The Beatles uses a similar progression in its choruses:
– A Major (‘IV’)
– E minor (‘i’)
– B Major (‘V’)
– A Major (‘IV’)
– B Major (‘V’)

2. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who also uses a progression with a similar feel in its intro/verses:
– F Major (‘VI’)
– Bb Major (‘III’)
– C Major (‘IV’)
– F Major (‘VI’)

Remember that while chord progressions can sound similar, the way each artist uses them can create completely unique pieces of music.

Musical Analysis

In a conventional minor key progression, the V chord is minor. However, in “Paint It Black”, the V (B Major) is major. This could be attributed to the harmonic minor key, where the V is usually a major chord. In addition, the D Major could be also seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel major scale (E Major). The presence of D and A Major chords give the progression an unusual, yet striking quality, compared to a standard minor key progression.

Overall Analysis

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones is a masterful example of the band’s ability to incorporate a variety of musical elements into a rock setting. This song, in particular, unites a classic rock ‘n roll backbone with an exotic influence, likely derived from Eastern music, especially with the use of the sitar.

Style Analysis

The Rolling Stones were renowned for their versatility and incorporation of various musical styles. “Paint It Black” stands out for its fusion of rock with elements of Eastern music. The presence of the sitar, an instrument traditionally used in Indian music, added an exotic flavor to the song.

Chords in the Verse 5 section of Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]