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“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.

“Paint It Black” plays with minor tonality, which isn’t extremely common in rock and roll music of the era. The song is in the key of E minor and uses the chords Em, B, D, G, and A. The verse has an interesting use of harmonies, incorporating the minor i, major V, minor iv, major bIII, and major IV chords.

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth jazz and funk-influenced style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates a strong use of extended and altered chords, which create a richer texture and interesting harmonic movement. This particular chord progression is reminiscent of other popular songs from the same period and genre, displaying the influence of jazz harmony on contemporary R&B and pop music.

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

“Sometimes It Snows In April” is a song by Prince in the pop style. It’s characterized by its use of extended and added note chords, as seen in the chord progression for Verse 3. This advanced harmonic content gives the song a distinct, rich, and complex musical texture, typical of Prince’s style.

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – Verse 3

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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) – 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) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – C Major (I)

Borrowed Chord:
Bb Major (bVII)

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. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival:
G Major (I) – G Major (I) – F Major (bVII) – C Major (IV) – G Major (I)

3. “Let it Be” by The Beatles:
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V)

These songs have similar chord progressions, featuring the primary chords I, IV, and V, and occasionally borrowing chords from other modes for added interest.

Musical Analysis

The song is built around a repeating pattern that moves through the C Major, F Major, and G Major chords, which are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of C Major. This is a common and traditional progression often found in blues, rock, and pop music. The Bb Major chord is borrowed from the mixolydian mode and adds variety and contrast to the otherwise diatonic progression.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Brown Sugar” is a classic rock and roll song with elements of blues and Southern rock. The driving rhythm, prominent guitar and piano, and repetitive chord pattern are typical for this style. The vocal melody is catchy and memorable, and the overall feel of the song is energetic and danceable, suitable for both radio play and live performance.

Chords in the Verse 3 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