The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black – Verse 3
Paint It Black < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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E minor (‘i’)
B Major (‘V’)
E minor (‘i’)
B Major (‘V’)
E minor (‘i’)
D Major (‘VII’ – borrowed from E Dorian)
G Major (‘III’)
D Major (‘VII’ – borrowed from E Dorian)
E minor (‘i’)
E minor (‘i’)
D Major (‘VII’ – borrowed from E Dorian)
G Major (‘III’)
D Major (‘VII’ – borrowed from E Dorian)
A Major (‘IV’ – borrowed from E Mixolydian)
B Major (‘V’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve:
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E Major (‘I’)
B minor (‘iv’)
D Major (‘VI’)
A Major (‘IV’)
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2. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
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C Major (‘I’)
G Major (‘V’)
A minor (‘vi’ – borrowed from C minor)
F Major (‘IV’)
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Musical Analysis
This progression is interesting because it embodies the principles of modal interchange, where chords from different scales or modes with the same root note are used interchangeably. Here the D Major and G Major are borrowed from E Dorian, and The A Major is borrowed from E Mixolydian.
Overall Analysis
“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.
Style Analysis
“Paint It, Black” carries elements of raga rock, which fuses Indian classical raga music with rock music. The minor tonality and modal interchange in the progression contribute to the somewhat ambiguous and melancholy mood of the piece.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black – Verse 3?
[‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]
