The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – Verse 2
Brown Sugar < 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
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 minor key of C minor.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: D Major (I) – C Major (bVII) – G Major (IV) – D Major (I) – C Major (bVII) – G Major (IV)
2. “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival: E Major (I) – E Major (I) – E Major (I) – E Major (I) – D Major (bVII) – A Major (IV)
3. “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – D Major (II) – A Major (VI) – E Major (III) – C Major (I)
These songs share similarities with “Brown Sugar” in terms of their rock and blues influences, and they also feature the use of the I, IV, and V chords, as well as borrowed chords from parallel minor keys (such as the bVII).
Musical Analysis
The chord progression in the verse primarily features the I (C Major) and IV (F Major) chords. The constant use of the I chord creates a sense of stability, and the progression to the IV chord produces a classic “rock” sound. The bVII (Bb Major) chord adds interest and serves as a surprise element, providing contrast in the progression. It effectively creates tension, which is then resolved by the V chord (G Major), leading the progression back to the I chord.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Brown Sugar” is a rock song with strong blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The heavy use of the I, IV, and V chords is a common feature in these genres. The straightforward, repetitive chord progression gives the song its driving, energetic feel, which is further enhanced by the band’s dynamic rhythm playing and the vocal melodies. The use of the borrowed chord (bVII) adds an unexpected twist, which is not uncommon in rock music of the late 1960s and 1970s.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – Verse 2?
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
