The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By – Verse 2
As Tears Go By < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D
Chord Progression Analysis
The base key for the song is G Major, as the majority of the chords belongs to the key of G Major. Here is the full listing for the Verse 2 chord progression with roman numerals:
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 Major/F# (V6), E minor (vi), C Major (IV), D Major (V).
Note that the A Major chord functions as a secondary dominant (V/IV), which momentarily modulates to the closely related key of C Major.
Similar Chord Progressions
Several artists have used similar chord progressions in their songs. Here are a few examples:
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
C Major (I), G Major (V), A minor (vi), F Major (IV), C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), C Major (I)
2. Bob Dylan – “Like A Rolling Stone”:
C Major (I), D Major (V/V), E minor (iii), F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I)
These songs feature similar instances of secondary dominant chords and modulations between closely related keys, providing harmonic interest and movement throughout the songs.
Musical Analysis
The second verse of “As Tears Go By” builds mainly on the I-IV-V progression, which is a common chord progression in rock and pop music. The use of secondary dominant (V/IV) and the modulation between G Major and C Major creates a sense of movement and interest throughout the verse, providing harmonic richness.
Overall Analysis
“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a popular song from the mid-60s that features a mix of major and minor chords along with modulations between closely related keys. The overall harmonic structure shares similarities with other rock and pop songs of that era, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Base Key and
Style Analysis
“As Tears Go By” showcases a mix of folk rock and pop ballad styles, characterized by its poignant melody and rich harmonic progressions. The song reflects the influence of pop and rock music from the era, including The Beatles’ early works.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By – Verse 2?
G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D
