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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

“Hurt”, written by Nine Inch Nails, exudes melancholy and despair through a slow progression that weaves intricate melodies between the chords. The tonality is primarily in B minor, but introduces D, E, A, and G chords throughout, indicating some mode mixture or borrowed chord use.

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“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles is a pure example of their early rock-and-roll style influenced by blues. It uses common chord progressions in rock and blues, such as the I-IV-V progression and the use of dominant 7th chords. The song is set in C major, and makes repeated use of the I-IV (C-F) progression. A significant feature in the song is the use of the dominant 7th chords (C7 and F7), which adds some bluesy quality to the song and also serves as a transition chord to the next chord in the progression.

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“Paint It Black” plays with minor tonality, which isn’t extremely common in rock and roll music of the era. The song is in the key of E minor and uses the chords Em, B, D, G, and A. The verse has an interesting use of harmonies, incorporating the minor i, major V, minor iv, major bIII, and major IV chords.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”: A minor (i), G Major (VII), D Major (IV), F Major (VI), A minor (i), G Major (VII), D Major (IV), F Major (VI)
2. The Beatles – “Yesterday”: F Major (I), E minor (vi/bIII), A Major (IV/V), D minor (vi), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), F Major (I)

Both of these examples feature unconventional chord progressions and a mixture of major and minor chords in a non-standard order, evoking a similar sense of ambiguity and melancholy.

Musical Analysis

The verse features a IV-I-VI-V progression in F major, which lends a sense of continuous movement without fully resolving. This progression is unusual as it starts on the IV chord instead of the typical I or V chord and ends on the V. This gives it a floating and unresolved feeling, which complements the introspective lyrics and instrumentation. The repeated sequence of the four-chord loop creates a hypnotic effect, feeling both comfortable and slightly unsettling at the same time. The chorus, on the other hand, features a more familiar progression of vi-IV-I-V in F major, giving a sense of resolution to the listener before returning to the ambiguous verse progression.

Overall Analysis

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

Style Analysis

“Right Where It Belongs” is characteristic of Nine Inch Nails with its electronic elements, sparse instrumentation, and dark themes. The chords move between major chords, but their progression and emphasis on non-resolving chords create a sense of unease. The song can be classified as alternative rock, industrial rock, or electronic.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Right Where It Belongs by Nine Inch Nails are:

D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F