The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Chorus
Beast Of Burden < All Analyses
Chord Progression
A, E/G#, A, E/G#, BChord Progression Analysis
The chorus sequence [A, E/G#, A, E/G#, B] comes out as follows:
A Major (IV), E Major/G# (I), A Major (IV), E Major/G# (I), B Major (V)In context of E major, A Major is the IV, E Major is the I, and B Major is the V. The E/G# denotes an inversion, which means the G# (the 3rd of the E Major chord) is in the bass.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, with the progression:
D Major (IV), A Major/E (I), D Major (IV), A Major/E (I), E Major (V)2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, notably the chorus, with the progression:
A Major (IV), E Major/G# (I), A Major (IV), E Major/G# (I), B Major (V)These songs share similar progressions to “Beast of Burden”, employing the IV-I movement and utilizing inverted chords to create melodically interesting baselines.
Musical Analysis
In this progression, The Rolling Stones use an interesting combination of major, minor, and inverted chords to lend an unsettled yet still grounded feel to the song. The E/G# inversions serve as a passing tone, smoothing the transition between the A and B chords.
Overall Analysis
“Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones uses a common rock arrangement with a focus on the V, I, and vi chords. The distinguishing factor for this particular progression is its consistent use of inverted chords to create more linear, and stepwise, bass lines.
Style Analysis
The Rolling Stones often favor blues-influenced progressions, but “Beast of Burden” deviates from this slightly by interspersing more pop-esque IV-I movements. Still, the band’s rock ‘n’ roll roots declare themselves in the climactic shift from I to V, providing a punchy resolve.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Chorus?
A, E/G#, A, E/G#, B