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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The outro of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” features a mix of power chords and triadic chords, with predominant iim7 and IV triads along with some embellishing chords. The piece has a rock-based style, with the emphasis on power chords, a driving rhythm, and intense dynamics. The chord progression borrows elements from different genres, such as pop and classical, with some interesting chromatic movement.

The given chord progression belongs to the verse 2 of the song “Apocalypse Please” by Muse. This progression reflects the band’s signature style that combines elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. The chords follow a pattern that combines both diatonic and chromatic movement, creating a dramatic and intense feel. A unique feature in this progression is the use of slash chords, which adds further harmonic interest.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is an iconic pop ballad renowned for its rich harmonic content. It employs both modal interchange and secondary dominants, thus securing its place as an exemplary piece in pop music harmony. Its dominant tonality is D Major, however, it makes use of many borrowed chords.

“Hysteria” by Muse is a song with a heavy rock style, featuring a powerful bassline and distorted guitars. The chord progression mentioned is present in the first verse of the song. This progression is characterized by the use of standard tonal harmony and minor key tonality, with some slight variations that are typical in rock music.

“Kiss” by Prince is a well-loved song known for its catchy tune and funky, upbeat style. The song is composed in the key of A major. However, it lacks typical diatonic major harmonies because Prince used power chords (fifth chords) instead of full major or minor chords. The progression is largely built around the ‘A5’ and ‘D5’ power chords, with the occasional ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ worked in to add some variation.

Muse – Apocalypse Please – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

F#m/C#, C#, F#m/C#, C#, F#m, C#, F#m, C#

Chord Progression Analysis

F#m/C# (i6), C# (V), F#m/C# (i6), C# (V), F#m (i), C# (V), F#m (i), C# (V)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Am (i), E (V), Am (i), E (V), Am (i), E (V), Am (i), E (V)

Although the chords are different, Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film)” also heavily utilizes the alternating i and V relationship in their chord progression.

2. Metallica – “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V)

Similar to the other examples, Metallica’s “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” consists of alternating between the tonic and dominant chords, creating tension and release throughout the progression.

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with F#m/C# as the first inversion of F#m, creating a smooth transition between F#m and C# while maintaining the bass note C#. This creates a sense of consistency and grounding throughout the progression. It alternates between F#m/C# and C# for the first four chords and then shifts to a simpler alternation between F#m and C# for the remaining four chords.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Apocalypse Please” by Muse is mostly based on the F#m and C# chords, with a strong emphasis on the i and V7 relationship. The progression moves back and forth between these two chords without straying far from the Tonality of F# minor while maintaining a tension and release structure.

Style Analysis

This chord progression fits the general style and sound of Muse, which often features strong, driving grooves, and dramatic tension/resolution. They are known for incorporating classical elements in their music, and the use of the i and V relationship in this chord progression demonstrates their affinity for classical harmonic structures. Additionally, the sense of urgency in the progression aligns with the apocalyptic theme of the song.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Apocalypse Please by Muse are:

F#m/C#, C#, F#m/C#, C#, F#m, C#, F#m, C#