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“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.

The chord progression can be divided into three main sections (please see the details below). The first section is based around the I chord (C), the second section introduces the IV chord (F), then it returns to the I chord. The third section introduces a borrowed chord (bVII – Bb from C Mixolydian), a V chord (G), then returns to the I chord with a brief excursion back to the V chord. There is repetition in this section with the return to the I chord.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

The Rolling Stones – Beast Of Burden – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

[‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘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)
E Major (I)
B Major (V)
C# minor (vi)
A Major (IV)
E Major (I)
B Major (V)
C# minor (vi)
A Major (IV)
E Major (I)
B Major (V)
C# minor (vi)
A Major (IV)
“`
In terms of functional harmony, this sequence forms a very common progression pattern:
I (tonic) – V (dominant) – vi (submediant) – IV (subdominant)

Similar Chord Progressions

Many songs use the I-V-vi-IV progression, as it’s one of the most common in popular music. Some examples include:

– “Let It Be” by The Beatles
– “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
– “Umbrella” by Rihanna
– “When I Come Around” by Green Day

“Let It Be” by The Beatles in C major:

“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
Am minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`

“No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley in C major:

“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
Am minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`

“Umbrella” by Rihanna in B major:

“`
B Major (I)
F# Major (V)
G#m minor (vi)
E Major (IV)
“`

“When I Come Around” by Green Day in F major:

“`
F Major (I)
C Major (V)
Dm minor (vi)
Bb Major (IV)
“`
Each of these examples use the same pattern but in different keys.

Musical Analysis

This is a classic rock progression in modern music, and it has a strong resolution that leads back to the I chord. The dominant (V) to tonic (I) movement is a strong resolution in Western music, creating a sense of return and completion. The vi chord adds a layer of melancholy into the mix but doesn’t stray far from the major key tonality. The IV chord provides a strong pull towards the I chord.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of “Beast Of Burden” by The Rolling Stones from verse 3 appears to be a standard pop/rock progression with a bit of melodic flavor. It features the chords of E major, B major, C# minor, and A major.

The song is in the key of E Major as that’s the chord the progression starts and ends with, and most of the chords are from the E major scale. There are no borrowed chords, and the progression is repetitive, maintaining a loop throughout most of the song.

Let’s move on to the detailed chord progression analysis, chord names, and their roman numerals.

Style Analysis

This progression is very typical of the Rolling Stone’s style and of other rock/pop music from the 1960s and 70s. It is catchy, repetitive, and easy to follow. As the chords are derived from the E major scale, the overall mood is bright and upbeat, yet the inclusion of the vi chord brings a touch of melancholy – often referred to as ‘bittersweet’ in terms of musical emotion.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Beast Of Burden by The Rolling Stones are:

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