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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has a dark and moody atmosphere, characterized by the repetitive chord progression that sets the gloomy tone. This prolific use of chords throughout snippets of the song creates a musical portrait of monotony and disillusion which is reflective of the song’s title and lyrics. Looking at the chords provided from the second verse, this mood is accomplished through the consistent use of minor tonalities and alternation between two power chords – E and C.

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

“When You Die” by MGMT features a fairly unconventional chord progression that mixes elements of rock, pop, and classic psychedelia. The progression creates tension and intrigue through the use of extended harmonies, chromaticism, and borrowed chords. The distinctiveness of this progression contributes to the song’s unique sound.

The verse 2 chord progression from Muse’s “New Born” reflects their signature harmonic daring and interesting relationships, which provides this piece with a fresh and captivating sound. The progression features a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as key shifts and chromaticism. It utilizes major-minor modal interchange and emphasizes the Em – B relationship throughout.

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse sections utilize a common alternation between tonic (i) and submediant (VI) chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, which is typical for the music of Nine Inch Nails. The G major and F major chords in the verse sections introduce variety and give a unique character to the song. The chorus and bridge sections maintain the tension of the verses while expanding the harmonic palette with chords like A major (IV) and G major (III).

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” reflects the signature Nine Inch Nails sound, which is characterized by a blending of rock, electronic, and industrial music elements. The repeated use of i-VI chord alternation contributes to an overall sense of melancholy and resignation, and the distinctive use of the borrowed F major chord contributes to the song’s dark, moody atmosphere.

Overall Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

Style Analysis

1) Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Verse: A minor (i), A minor7/G (i7/♭VII), E minor (iv), D major (♭III)

2) Linkin Park – “Numb”
Verse: E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), D major (VII)

3) The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979”
Verse: E flat major (I), G minor (iii), C minor (vi), B flat major (V)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E