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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.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a psychedelic rock song often regarded as one of their finest works. It’s innovative from both a melodic and harmonic perspective, using complex chord structures, chromatic touches, and key changes. The song is primarily in the key of E major.

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.

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#