Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.

“Riptide” by Vance Joy is in the key of C major. The chord progression is a repeated sequence of Am, G, C and Fmaj7, with the Fmaj7 being a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor. Given that the majority of the song follows this pattern, it’s simple yet effective, providing a catchy and persistent structure to the song.

**

“Somebody To Love” by Queen is a classic rock ballad in the key of G major, drawing heavily from influences of gospel music and blues progressions. Its bridge, aside from the characteristic gospel and rock elements, includes a modulating progression that is particularly interesting due to its use of borrowed chords, which adds contrast and emphasizes the emotive quality of the song.

**

“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is highly complex and represents an exceptional use of harmonic structuring. The richness of the piece lies in Brian Wilson’s innovative and unpredictable songwriting, who was making significant use of modulation at the time, constantly shifting keys, in this case especially during the transition bridge.

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Bridge

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

Chord Progression

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E

Chord Progression Analysis

Bridge: E (i) – A (IV) – C (♭VI) – G (III)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Muse – “Knights of Cydonia” (Em – A – C – G)
Chord Progression: E minor (i) – A major (IV) – C major (♭VI) – G major (III)
2. Radiohead – “Karma Police” (Am – D – G)
Chord Progression: A minor (i) – D major (IV) – G major (♭VII)
3. Four Non Blondes – “What’s Up?” (A – Bm – D – A)
Chord Progression: A major (I) – B minor (ii) – D major (IV) – A major (I)

These examples of similar chord progressions by other artists showcase the use of borrowed chords and movement between major/minor keys. Each of the songs mentioned above feature distinct alterations in their chord progressions, yet still maintain a similar atmosphere or mood found in “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails.

Musical Analysis

The bridge of the song consists primarily of a four-chord progression that repeats several times. It starts with the tonic E minor (i), followed by a borrowed chord A major (IV) from the parallel major key, then the C major (♭VI) chord, and finally the G major (III). This chord progression creates a sense of tension and release, as the tonic chord moves to a borrowed major chord, and then to a more stable ♭VI chord that tends to resolve back to the tonic.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is from the song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails. The overall structure of the song consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge, each with distinct chord progressions that contribute to the song’s moody, melancholic atmosphere. The song is mostly in the key of E minor, with some borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

Style Analysis

Nine Inch Nails is known for their unique blend of industrial and alternative rock music. Their songs often make use of dark, brooding chord progressions, unusual time signatures, and layered textures. In the case of “Every Day Is Exactly The Same,” the borrowed chords and the repetitions of the chord progression in the bridge contribute to the song’s haunting and sorrowful atmosphere, which is characteristic of the band’s style.

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

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E