Search

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.

“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.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song notable for its dreamy, lo-fi sound and use of unconventional chord progressions. Musically, the song is written in the key of F major, but creatively uses chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to establish a unique harmony. The song also uses dynamic contrast to create a dreamlike atmosphere, increasing the song’s overall psychedelic effect.

The verse 2 chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” demonstrates a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords with tonal ambiguity, frequent use of borrowed chords from parallel modes, and modulation. The progression has a cyclic, hypnotic quality with occasional surprises due to large leaps in pitch and unexpected, non-diatonic chords.

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘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

Verse 2 proceeds as follows:
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) – borrowed chord
C Major (I)
Bb Major (bVII) – borrowed chord
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)

Similar Chord Progressions

Several artists have used similar chord progressions. Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” uses a similar progression with chords in key of A minor, and a borrowed D Major chord: [‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’]. Likewise, Neil Young’s “Powderfinger” uses a similar progression with chords in key of D Major and a borrowed C Major chord.

Musical Analysis

The song revolves around a recurring major pentatonic riff. The Stones use heavy repetition of the I chord (C major) which creates a hypnotic, driving groove. The IV chord (F major) then provides a brief change. Borrowed bVII chord (Bb Major) adds color to the progression, and the use of V chord (G Major) adds tension and release, and allows for the transition back to the I chord (C major) to resolve the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

Style Analysis

“Brown Sugar” embodies elements of blues, rock’n’roll, and classic rock genres. Known for their blues-influenced rock sound, Rolling Stones make good use of the borrowed bVII chord. By incorporating this borrowed chord, which is frequently used in blues, the band creates an authentic ‘bluesy’ feeling, and adds color to their music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘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’]