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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Muse’s “Endlessly” from Verse 2 is a mix of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression has a melancholic feel, utilizing suspended chords to create tension and release. The use of both minor and major chords provides a balanced sound, giving the piece its unique character.

The chorus of “Hate This And I’ll Love You” by Muse features a highly chromatic and non-diatonic chord progression, with a myriad of borrowed chords and some distinctive rock sound. The key within which the progression is based seems to shift between E minor and B minor, with a mixture of Major and minor chords throughout.

“The Rip” by Portishead is a classic example of the Trip-hop genre. It features simple, yet effective harmonic progressions that offer a melancholic tone which is widely utilized in this genre. The distinctiveness of this particular chord progression lies on its subtle shifting between minor and major tonalities, as well as its use of borrowed chords.

Verse 1

David Bowie’s song, “Space Oddity,” is typically interpreted as being in the key of C Major. It’s an interesting song harmonically, featuring not just Primary Triads and Secondary Dominants but also uses Borrowed Chords, non-functional harmony, and chromatic chord changes. The kind of harmonic movement might be called Bowie’s deviation from the traditional harmonic patterns, which is part of what gives his music its characteristic ‘alien’ vibe. This progression has a more modal feeling due to the use of borrowed chords and the shifted tonal center.

Muse – Endlessly – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7

Chord Progression Analysis

`Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Bm (v) – E7 (I7) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Bm (v) – E7 (I7)`

_Borrowed Chords:_
`None`

Similar Chord Progressions

Though unique to Muse, the progression does bear some similarities to other works in terms of specific aspects of the progression itself.

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”:
`Am (i) – E (V) – Bm (iv) – D (VI) – G (IX) – E (V) – Am (i)`

2. Coldplay – “Warning Sign”:
`Asus2 (IVsus2) – Amaj7 (IVmaj7) – E (I) – Asus2 (IVsus2) – Amaj7 (IVmaj7) – G#m (iii) – A (IV)`

These examples share some aspects of Muse’s chord progression, such as the use of suspended chords, shifting from minor to major chords, and interweaving tension and resolution. However, the overall progression in “Endlessly” still remains distinctive amongst similar artists.

Musical Analysis

The consistent alternation between the Asus4 and Am chords at the beginning of the progression creates a sense of tension and suspension through the raised 4th (which makes the Asus4), in contrast to the more stable Am chord. The subsequent movement from Am to Bm and later to E7 provides tension and resolution. The E7 resolves back to Am, which occurs at the beginning of the verse, effectively tying the progression together as a cyclical pattern.

Overall Analysis

The song in question, “Endlessly” by Muse, is a reflective and emotional piece, featuring a fairly unique chord progression. The verse’s chord progression is not commonly heard in popular music, giving it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs. The use of suspended chords, the shift from Am to Bm, and the resolution to the E7 chord give the piece a floating, ethereal feel.

Style Analysis

The chord progression’s dreamlike sound and suspended chords create a certain atmosphere that is characteristic of the style we see in Muse’s music, especially in their romantic, introspective songs. In general, Muse is known for their experimental approach to musical styles and chord progressions, and “Endlessly” is no exception.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Endlessly by Muse are:

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7