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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 verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

“I Am The Walrus” is a distinctive composition by the Beatles from their 1967 album “Magical Mystery Tour”. Known for its surreal lyrics and creative chord progression, the song displays the Beatles’ mastery of composition and their innovative use of harmony. The song features elements from psychedelic rock, a genre that the Beatles helped popularize during the mid-1960s.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is in the key of A minor and quite uniquely, the song borrows chords from parallel major and minor keys, as well as from modes like mixolydian. It is one of George Harrison’s contributions to the Beatles and showcases sophisticated harmonic techniques and an intricate chordal design, reflecting deeply on the influence of Eastern music and philosophies on his songwriting.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

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#