Paint It Black is a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. This song was released in 1966 on their album “Aftermath”. In the article, I will provide the chords, lyrics, video lessons and a favorite live youtube video of the Stones performing Paint it Black. Moreover, I’ll also discuss how this iconic song came to life through the influence of the band members and the influence it’s has to this day on rock music.
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Composer: Mick Jagger & Keith Richards
Album: Aftermath
Released: 1966
Song Chords used in Paint it Black
As with most Stones songs, it was Keith who came up with the song chords, tempo and rhythmic changes. The song starts off with an E minor chord and then transitions into a B major chord before returning to the original E minor. It’s a perfect rhythm to compliment the great drum beat of Charlie Watts, and the brilliant vocals of Mick Jagger.
Paint it Black Guitar Lesson
When you get into the traditional way Keith Richards wrote the guitar part, he uses a capo on the 3rd fret and creates the Em with a Dm chord shape. It’s a great (and simple) way to get that opening riff down. The guitar lesson here is given by a great teacher who explains Keith’s way of playing the song. In fact, I urge you learn the open Em version, as well as, learning the tradition “Keith” way. You’ll see that they both sound amazing and it’s good to know both just in case you don’t have a capo handy.
Reception from Critics and Listeners
Paint it Black was first released in the United Kingdom on November 18, 1966 as a double A-side with “Mother’s Little Helper.” The song reached number one in France and number three on the British singles chart. It was then released in America on December 26th of that year.
Some Rolling Stone writers believe that the song is about “a man who’s been cheated on by his lover and goes into a depression.” Another popular opinion is that the song is about death and dying.
Brian Jones use of the Sitar
Brian Jones, guitarist and founder of The Rolling Stones (along with Mick Jagger), had a love for Indian music which led him to use the Sitar on this song. This is even evident by his usage of the instrument throughout the album “Aftermath” as well.
Brian was a gifted musician who was able to play several instruments and had a keen sense of the blues. In the early years, his input into many Rolling Stones songs were felt greatly.
How the Song Influenced Rock Music
The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” is an iconic song and one of the most influential rock songs in history. The song is still popular on the radio and in music today. Paint it Black is synonymous with the late 1960s, and has been named as one of the most influential rock songs ever written.
One reason this song has remained so timeless is through its cover versions. The punk band Ramones added a whole new flavor to the original, covering it with an acoustic guitar–something unheard of for punk versions. Yet this version too shines as an iconic take on a classic song.
The Stones Often Play Paint it Black in Concert
Rock legend, Keith Richards would often open concerts during their 2006 tour with Paint it Black. Wearing a long black leather jacket while playing the opening riff, Richards’ opener was nothing short of perfect in kicking off many great shows that year. The song was commonly used as a response song during encores at Stones concerts, after ” Satisfaction” and following the extended version of “Brown Sugar.”
The Ed Sullivan Show
It was also included in their 1968 television appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was the final song they performed on tv that night. Not only were The Rolling Stones playing to an American audience, but it was also broadcast live in England at the end of a very tumultuous year for them there.
Check out more Rolling Stones songs including Wild Horses, in our Song Chords Library.