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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock and roll song prominently featuring electric guitar and piano, characterized by its driving groove and catchy chorus. The base key for the song is C Major. The harmonic progression is fairly simple and stays mainly within the diatonic chords, with some occasional borrowing from other modes.

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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 chord progression in “Breathe” by Pink Floyd is relatively simple, mostly alternating between two chords – Em and A7. However, this simplicity is quite effective in creating a relaxed, dreamy feel which is consistent with the overall theme of the song. This is a characteristic feature of Pink Floyd’s music, using simple chords and progressions to create a powerful emotional impact.

The chord progression in Muse’s “Feeling Good” is in the key of G minor and showcases an interesting and creative use of borrowed chords and inversions. The progression follows a cyclical pattern that creates tension and release throughout the verse. The style is reminiscent of soul and jazz influences with a hint of rock elements, which is a common characteristic in Muse’s music.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is an excellent example of their innovative approach to harmony and chord progression. This song, written in the key of G major, features a common I-V-vi-III progression in the verses. It notably uses borrowed ‘B’ major and ‘B7’ chords from the parallel minor scale.

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