Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones

Key: E · 103 BPM · 4/4

Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones is written in E major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — A-E — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 103 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.

The progression

This song cycles a 2-chord progression in E major: A-E. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoEA-E
Capo 2DG-D
Capo 4CF-C
Capo 7AD-A

Chord chart

  • 0:00 E
  • 0:01 B
  • 0:02 C#m
  • 0:03 A
  • 0:04 B
  • 0:05 E
  • 0:07 C#m
  • 0:08 A
  • 0:10 E
  • 0:12 C#m
  • 0:13 A
  • 0:14 E
  • 0:16 C#m
  • 0:18 A
  • 0:19 E
  • 0:21 C#m
  • 0:23 A
  • 0:24 E
  • 0:26 C#m
  • 0:27 A
  • 0:29 E
  • 0:31 C#m
  • 0:33 E
  • 0:35 A
  • 0:38 E
  • 0:40 A
  • 0:43 E
  • 0:45 A
  • 0:47 E
  • 0:50 A
  • 0:55 E
  • 0:57 A
  • 1:00 E
  • 1:02 B
  • 1:04 E
  • 1:06 A
  • 1:09 E
  • 1:11 A
  • 1:14 E
  • 1:16 A
  • 1:18 E
  • 1:21 A
  • 1:25 E
  • 1:28 A
  • 1:30 E
  • 1:32 B
  • 1:37 E
  • 1:39 C#m
  • 1:40 A
  • 1:42 E
  • 1:44 A
  • 1:46 E
  • 1:49 A
  • 1:51 E
  • 1:53 Amaj7
  • 1:55 A
  • 1:56 E
  • 1:57 B
  • 1:58 C#m
  • 2:00 A
  • 2:01 E
  • 2:03 C#m
  • 2:04 A
  • 2:06 E
  • 2:08 C#m
  • 2:09 A
  • 2:10 E
  • 2:12 C#m
  • 2:14 A
  • 2:15 E
  • 2:17 A
  • 2:20 E
  • 2:22 A
  • 2:25 E
  • 2:27 A
  • 2:29 E
  • 2:32 A
  • 2:34 E
  • 2:36 C#m
  • 2:38 A
  • 2:39 E
  • 2:41 A
  • 2:43 E
  • 2:46 C#m
  • 2:47 A
  • 2:48 E
  • 2:50 C#m
  • 2:52 A
  • 2:53 E
  • 2:55 A
  • 2:58 E
  • 3:00 A
  • 3:02 E
  • 3:05 A
  • 3:07 E
  • 3:09 A
  • 3:12 E
  • 3:14 C#m
  • 3:15 A
  • 3:16 E
  • 3:18 C#m
  • 3:20 A
  • 3:21 E
  • 3:23 C#m

Frequently asked questions

What key is Beast of Burden in?

Beast of Burden is in E major.

What chords does Beast of Burden use?

The core of Beast of Burden cycles through A, E (2 chords).

What is the tempo of Beast of Burden?

Beast of Burden runs at 103 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does Beast of Burden use?

Beast of Burden doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: A-E.

What capo should I use for Beast of Burden?

No capo needed — E major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs in E major

More by The Rolling Stones