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“Beast of Burden,” by The Rolling Stones, a song characterized by a typical rock-pop structure, primarily uses a IV-chord loop in the key of E major. The chord progression in the outro follows a specific sequence: E, to B, to C#m, to A. The return to the E at the end of the progression gives it a circular feel that encourages cohesion.

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones is a famous Rock song heavily influenced by the Indian classical form of music called Raga rock. The song is written in E minor and it has a very distinctively descending minor key tonality. The chords progression in the verse sequence doesn’t follow the conventional rules of western tonal harmony as it navigates through various key centers, showcasing the bands exploration of exotic and unconventional songwriting.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘B’]

Chord 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.

Chords in the Chorus section of Beast Of Burden by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘B’]