Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails features a haunting and melancholic chord progression typical of the alternative rock and industrial rock genres. The tonality of the piece centers around the key of C major, with occasional borrowed chords and chromaticism adding emotional color and tension. The verse and chorus sections both feature a similar pattern of repeating chords as well as a descending bass line connecting the chords, giving the piece cohesion.

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

The given chord progression is in the key of C Major and follows a simple, yet effective structure. It features a blend of consonance and dissonance, which creates a sense of resolution and tension simultaneously. This progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound and their ability to create emotive landscapes through their music.

The chord progression in the outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Outro

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E

Chord Progression Analysis

Outro:
– D major (IV)
– E major (V)
– B minor (i)
Repeated five times

The chords used in the outro are diatonic to the key of B minor, and none of them are borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

– Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)” – Chord Progression: Am, C, D, G, Emin, C, G, D
– Johnny Cash – “I See a Darkness” – Chord Progression: Dm, C, Bb, A
– Nirvana – “Something in the Way” – Chord Progression: Em, C, G, Em

While each of these examples may not be exact matches, they share a similar mood and simplicity in the chord progressions and are representative of the melancholic and haunting theme found in the song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails. The chord progressions, as well as the emotional tone, can be seen through the use of minor keys and the sparse, introspective nature of the songs.

Musical Analysis

The harmonic progression used in the outro (IV-V-i) creates a sense of resolution and closure, with the subdominant (IV) moving to the dominant (V) and then resolving to the tonic (i). This progression has a strong sense of movement and tension, which contributes to the emotional impact of the song.

Overall Analysis

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

The style of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails can be described as a melancholic, haunting, and introspective, with its slow tempo and intimate vocal delivery. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a few chords and a somber key of B minor, creating a barren sound. The minimalistic chord progression, lyrical content, and production contribute to the overall moody atmosphere and introspection.

Chords in the Outro section of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails are:

D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E