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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.

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is structured in a key of D Major, and the song largely follows a I-IV-V chord progression, which is a staple in many genres, especially in blues and rock music. The progression is known for its simple, catchy, and resolved sounds.

The chord progression in the verse of “When You Die” by MGMT can be analyzed as a blend of traditional diatonic harmony and chromaticism. The song is in the key of G major with elements of modal interchange and a brief modulation to the relative minor key, E minor. The progression features a mix of both major and minor chords and gives the piece a sense of melancholy and uncertainty.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a simple, yet emotional and effective piece, written in the key of C major. The chord progression of the verse revolves around the tonic (C) and the subdominant (Dm7), resulting in a gentle, down-to-earth feel, characteristic of Beck’s folk and alternative music influences.

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