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The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.

The chorus of “Hate This And I’ll Love You” by Muse features a highly chromatic and non-diatonic chord progression, with a myriad of borrowed chords and some distinctive rock sound. The key within which the progression is based seems to shift between E minor and B minor, with a mixture of Major and minor chords throughout.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a blues-influenced rock ballad by Led Zeppelin. Its chord progression showcases the band’s eclectic mix of blues, rock, and jazz influences. The progression is characterized by a mix of diatonic and chromatically altered chords, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of harmony and emotional depth that is typical of Led Zeppelin’s music.

The chord progression of the Verse 3 in the song “California Kids” by Weezer features a blend of diatonic and chromatic chords in the key of C major, exhibiting a classic pop-rock feel with some variations in the chord structure. The progression also showcases the use of chromatic bass motion to add harmonic interest.

Muse – New Born – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Am (i), Em (v), G (VII), D (iv), C (III), G (VII), Bm (i), Em (v)

2. The Cranberries – “Zombie”
Em (i), C (VI), G (III), D (IV)

3. Nirvana – “Come As You Are”
Em (i), G (III), F# (II), A (iv)

These songs share a similar sense of tension and release in their chord progressions, often using a combination of minor and major chords to create a sense of dynamics and urgency. While each song has its unique take on harmony and progression, they all showcase the stylistic similarities between alternative rock and progressive rock compositions.

Musical Analysis

The progression consists mainly of alternating Em (i) and B (V) chords, a common minor key movement that emphasizes the i-V relationship. This progression creates a sense of tension that drives the harmonic structure. The addition of the C (VI) and G (III) chords provides a moment of relief, creating more interest in the progression. These chords also appear in the relative major key of G, helping bring a sense of balance between the dark and brighter sides of the progression.

Overall Analysis

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

Style Analysis

Muse often incorporates elements of progressive rock and alternative rock in their music, and “New Born” is no exception. The simple yet effective chord progression emphasizes the distinction between major and minor chords, a hallmark of both progressive and alternative rock genres. Furthermore, the use of driving bass lines and complex drum patterns adds to the sense of depth and tension in the piece.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of New Born by Muse are:

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G