Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones is a classic track that exhibits some very traditional aspects of popular music and blues-based rock. The song is in D major and follows a fairly standard chord progression, using only three chords (D, A, and G), which make up four-measure phrases that are repeated throughout this part of the song.

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince features an unorthodox chord progression compared to many pop or rock songs from the era. The chord progression in the Outro as well as throughout the song remains constant, which underscores the plaintive mood of the song and lyrics. The progression: Em – F – G in the Outro contains borrowed chords from the parallel minor. This introduces a sense of ambiguity to the overall tonality.

The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Outro

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
E Major (I)
B Major (V)
C# Minor (vi)
A Major (IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

A vast number of pop and rock songs use this same chord progression. Here are a few examples:

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey:
“`
E Major (I)
B Major (V)
C# Minor (vi)
A Major (IV)
“`
Let It Be by The Beatles:
“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`
Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John:
“`
Bb Major (I)
F Major (V)
G Minor (vi)
Eb Major (IV)
“`
In conclusion, the chord progression in the outro of Beast Of Burden is classic and has been commonly used in rock and pop music because of its pleasant consonance and harmonic continuity.

Musical Analysis

This chord sequence falls into a tried-and-true pattern of pop and rock music progressions: the I-V-vi-IV. Starting with the I chord (E Major) puts the song firmly in the key of E Major. This is followed by the V chord (B Major) leading to the vi chord (C# Minor), which often acts as the relative minor to the E Major. Then going from the vi chord to IV chord (A Major) is a move down a third, a smooth and typical chord progression.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The style of this chord progression is typical of The Rolling Stones’ blues-influenced rock music. The guitar-based songs mainly use common open chords (like E, B, and A) mixed with barre chords (like C# Minor). The progression is rhythmically driven, with its chugging acoustic guitar strum pattern and complimentary bass line.

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

[‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’]