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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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“Honky Tonk Women” by the Rolling Stones is a classic rock track steeped in the blues tradition. The song is played in the key of G Major and primarily uses chords G, C, A, and D.

**Chorus

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“Zombie” by The Cranberries features a relatively commonly used chord progression in pop/rock music, often referred to as a ‘vi-IV-I-V’ progression. This chord progression, in this particular case, is in the key of G Major and is made up of four chords: Em, C, G, and D/F#.

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The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” can be characterized as a mixture of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities. The verse progression features major and minor seventh chords, a few borrowed chords, and a prominent chromatic movement.

Chord progression analysis (including borrowed chords)
1. F#maj7 (I)
2. F#maj7/B (I6)
3. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
4. G#m7 (iii7)
5. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)
6. F#maj7 (I)
7. F#maj7/B (I6)
8. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
9. G#m7 (iii7)
10. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)

The chord progression starts with the tonic F#maj7 and moves through a first inversion of the same chord (F#maj7/B) before introducing borrowed chords (Fmaj7 and D7#5) from the parallel minor key, creating tension and color. The G#m7 is a diatonic iii7 chord, adding to the jazzy feel of the song.

“Castles Made Of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, featured on the 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The chord progression in the verse is notable for its use of both diatonic and chromatic chords, creating a complex harmonic structure that reflects the intricate guitar work and emotive lyrics of the song.

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

C, C, C, C, C, C, C, C, F, F, F, F, F, F, F, C, C, C, C, C, C, C, Bb, C, Bb, G, G, C, C, C, C, C, G, C, C, C, C, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – Bb Major (bVII) – C Major (I) – Bb Major (bVII) – G Major (V) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I)

Borrowed Chord:
Bb Major (bVII) is a borrowed chord from the parallel C minor key.

Similar Chord Progressions

The progression used in “Brown Sugar” has similarities to several other rock and blues songs, such as:

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A Minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

2. “Wild Thing” by The Troggs:
A Major (I) – D Major (IV) – E Major (V) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I)

3. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd:
D Major (I) – C Major (bVII) – G Major (IV)

These songs share the simplicity of “Brown Sugar” by focusing primarily on the I, IV, and V chords, while some also include borrowed chords from the parallel minor key to add a touch of bluesy flavor.

Musical Analysis

The first eight chords of the verse revolve around the tonic chord (C Major) to establish the key center. Then, the progression moves to the subdominant chord (F Major) for a contrast, prolonging tension before returning to the tonic (C Major). The borrowed chord, Bb Major, adds a touch of intrigue and bluesy flavor to the progression as it derives from the parallel minor key. Finally, the verse ends with a brief resolution to the dominant chord, G Major, before returning to the tonic.

Overall Analysis

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is based in the key of C major. The verse has a simple and catchy chord progression that primarily revolves around the I and IV chords in the key, with brief excursions to the dominant and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. This structure contributes to the song’s bluesy and rock’n’roll sound.

Style Analysis

The chord structure in “Brown Sugar” is characteristic of rock and blues music, with its focus on the I, IV, and V chords, along with the inclusion of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The simplicity of the progression allows for the catchy guitar riffs and the strong rhythm to shine through, creating the iconic rock’n’roll sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones are:

C, C, C, C, C, C, C, C, F, F, F, F, F, F, F, C, C, C, C, C, C, C, Bb, C, Bb, G, G, C, C, C, C, C, G, C, C, C, C, C