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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock song in the key of C major. The chord progression is simple and effective, reflecting the band’s blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The overall structure includes three verses with the same chord progression.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Paper Tiger” can be considered a combination of common and non-diatonic chords. The progression moves from a major chord to its dominant 7th and then resolves to the relative minor. Stylistically, this progression is used in rock, pop, and jazz music to create tension and resolution while maintaining a sense of movement or flow.

This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that features a well-known four-chord progression throughout the verses. This progression is G – B – C – Cm, which is often considered one of the factors that contribute to the song’s memorable and emotional quality. The chord progression helps create a melancholic and haunting atmosphere in the song. This song is notably influenced by alternative rock and grunge styles from the early 90s.

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