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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.

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“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones is built around major tonality and uses direct and simple progressions. It also features what are known as additive chords (Gadd9) – chords to which notes are added beyond the common triad. The song commences in the key of G Major, indicated by the G, Gadd9, and C chords. These chords progress in an almost continual cyclical pattern across the verses. Here, the dominant chord (D) in the key of G Major is absent, which grants a tonal ambiguity to the song. Interestingly, the song takes a departure into a different key later on which will not be included in this analysis as it pertains to the Verse only.

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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.

The song “3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle oscillates between an A major and a C# minor structure, with a D major introduced at the end of the progression. The dominant chords are A (represented as Asus2) and C# (represented as C#m). The final D chord can be seen as a modulation, adding a somewhat unexpected resolution that doesn’t adhere to the traditional rules of tonic-dominant resolution in either major or minor keys.

The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” by Beck features a non-diatonic chord progression that includes a mixture of major, minor, and suspended chords. This chord progression results in a sense of longing and unresolved tension that is appropriate for an outro section. Additionally, the progression includes a borrowed chord, the Eb6sus2, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key and contributes to the unique, emotional quality of the song.

The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Outro

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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)
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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’]