Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones is a rock ballad with a minor tonality and is composed in the key of G major. The song incorporates the use of modal interchange, more commonly referred to as borrowed chords, from the parallel minor. This common technique in rock music contributes to the melancholic and emotionally resonant feeling of the song.

“Beast of Burden,” by The Rolling Stones, a song characterized by a typical rock-pop structure, primarily uses a IV-chord loop in the key of E major. The chord progression in the outro follows a specific sequence: E, to B, to C#m, to A. The return to the E at the end of the progression gives it a circular feel that encourages cohesion.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

“Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock song featuring a cyclic chord progression in the key of E major. The song is well-known for its distinctive and temporarily ambiguous harmonic structure, bluesy vocal melodies, and Jimi Hendrix’s influential guitar playing. The verse chord progression constantly circles back on itself, creating a hypnotic effect.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” can be characterized as a mixture of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities. The verse progression features major and minor seventh chords, a few borrowed chords, and a prominent chromatic movement.

Chord progression analysis (including borrowed chords)
1. F#maj7 (I)
2. F#maj7/B (I6)
3. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
4. G#m7 (iii7)
5. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)
6. F#maj7 (I)
7. F#maj7/B (I6)
8. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
9. G#m7 (iii7)
10. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)

The chord progression starts with the tonic F#maj7 and moves through a first inversion of the same chord (F#maj7/B) before introducing borrowed chords (Fmaj7 and D7#5) from the parallel minor key, creating tension and color. The G#m7 is a diatonic iii7 chord, adding to the jazzy feel of the song.

The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The chords for Verse 1 are [‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’].

Here is the chord progression with the full chord names and their Roman numerals, considering G as the tonic:

“`
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
A minor (‘ii’, borrowed from G minor),
C Major (‘IV’),
D Major (‘V’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
A minor (‘ii’, borrowed from G minor),
C Major (‘IV’),
D Major (‘V’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’).
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

Artists across various genres have used similar chord progressions. Notably, “All I Want” by Joni Mitchell utilizes a borrowed iv chord (F Major in the key of C Major, akin to the Am in G Major in “Wild Horses”) giving a similar emotional impact. Also, “Creep” by Radiohead employs a perennial I-iii-IV-V progression repeated throughout the song like “Wild Horses.”

Musical Analysis

Musically, this sequence creates a complex sound-scape very characteristic of the melancholic, yet beautiful tone of “Wild Horses”. The sequence begins with a surprising iii-I progression, introducing tension with the use of a minor chord. This tension is further developed with the borrowed ii chord (Am). As the IV, V, I sequence is very common in many pop songs, this gives a sense of resolution before it starts again, preserving familiarity within the unusual progression.

The borrowed ii chord (Am) is a distinctly unique feature. This chord is borrowed from the key of G minor. By bringing in this minor iv chord, a brief moment of modal mixture occurs, adding emotional depth and complexity to the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The Rolling Stones are known for their innovative approach to rock music and “Wild Horses” is a clear demonstration of that unique style. The use of standard and borrowed chords, emotional dynamics, thoughtful lyrics, and arrangements all contribute to establishing their distinctive sound-scape. They manage to couple the raw emotion of blues-inspired progressions with the structural predictability of pop, creating something truly distinct.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’]