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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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“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.

Let It Happen’ by Tame Impala employs an accessible and effective chord progression, usual in pop/rock music, yet has unusualness due to the usage of the G#sus4 chord, providing a unique tonal flavor and emotional quality. There is a striking use of harmonic contrast and a continuous return and release of tension throughout the song. This creates an immersive cyclical quality, complementing the song’s theme of embracing inevitable moments and experiences.

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

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’]