“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock song centered around the blues and psychedelic rock styles. The verse features an interesting and unconventional chord progression, which adds to the distinctive sound of the piece. The verse progression itself consists of four chords: E7#9, G, A, and E.
“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.
The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.
The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.
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.