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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression of the given segment from Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” reflects the band’s signature blend of rock, electronic, and classical music. The progression is in the key of F# minor and features some chromaticism and modal mixture, which is quite common in their style of music. The harmonic rhythm is mostly consistent, and the chords utilized provide a strong sense of direction and resolution throughout the verse.

The chord progression in Muse’s Hysteria (verse 2) is a fairly unique progression that revolves around a minor tonality with some hints of E7 acting as a secondary dominant. It seems to have an ambiguous key center, fluctuating between E minor and A minor. The progression is repeated, providing a sense of tension and familiarity throughout the verse.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles uses a D Major scale. The song primarily comprises chords built on the tonic or root note (D), which lends a consistent, grounded feel. This reflects the lyrics’ mood—contentment, renewed optimism, and a sense of homecoming with the arrival of the sun.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

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#