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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is structured in a key of D Major, and the song largely follows a I-IV-V chord progression, which is a staple in many genres, especially in blues and rock music. The progression is known for its simple, catchy, and resolved sounds.

“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.

“Can’t Buy Me Love,” a song by The Beatles, exhibits a style that’s emblematic of their earlier work, with a clear, upbeat tonality and an elegant yet straightforward chord progression. The tune is predominantly centred in the key of C major, but it utilizes both major and dominant 7th chords to create tension and resolution, modulating away from the home key. The particular progression you’ve given, ‘C7’, ‘F7’, ‘C’, isn’t rare and demonstrates the Beatles’ precision and understanding of pop and rock music’s creative possibilities.

The provided chord progression is quite simple, with a single chord (F) repeated four times. This type of progression creates a static or stable feel, with no harmonic tension to resolve. This chord progression alone isn’t enough to give a complete musical analysis, as it’s quite minimalistic, and it’s necessary to evaluate the progression in the context of the entire song. However, I can still offer some thoughts on the progression’s possible function, style notes, and similar chord progressions.

The chord progression in Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” from Verse 4 features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from parallel modes. The progression showcases a smooth, soulful, and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that blends elements of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.

The Rolling Stones – Start Me Up – Verse 4

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The Verse 4 chord progression features repeated D and G chord alternations. These are the I and IV chords in the key of D Major, respectively.

“`
D Major (I)
G Major (IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

A I-IV chord progression is one of the most common in Western popular music. Many artists and songs use similar chord progressions, here are a few examples:

1. “Wild Thing” by The Troggs: [‘A’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘D’] (I-IV-V-IV in A Major)
2. “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen: [‘A’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘D’] (I-IV-v-IV in A Major)
3. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: [‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’] (I-VII-IV in D Major)

Please note that while these songs have similar chord progressions, the rhythm, tempo, and style of play can greatly affect the overall sound of the song, making each unique.

Musical Analysis

A major part of this song’s appeal lies in its use of a consistent rhythmic groove. This is relevant both in the drumming pattern and strumming of the chords. The song heavily depends on one main rhythmic motif which is repeatedly played throughout the song and gives the song its signature character.

The melodic line performed by the vocals is repetitive too but the melody changes slightly in each repetition, hence the song manages to maintain interest despite its repetition.

Overall Analysis

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a common I-IV chord progression primarily in the key of D major. Like many rock songs from their era, the arrangement is simple yet effective, designed to showcase the strong rhythm and melody rather than complex harmonies.

Style Analysis

Like most songs by The Rolling Stones, “Start Me Up” is a great example of blues-inspired classic rock. It derives its raw, “driving” sound from the regular use of the I-IV chord progression found commonly in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The song also heavily utilizes the rhythm guitar, which is typical of the classic rock genre and particularly of The Rolling Stones’ style.

Chords in the Verse 4 section of Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘G’]