Muse – Hysteria – Chorus
Hysteria < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, G7, Dm, Am, C, G7, Dm, E7
Chord Progression Analysis
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C Major (I) – G7 (V7) – Dm (ii) – Am (vi) – C Major (I) – G7 (V7) – Dm (ii) – E7 (V7/vi)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
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C Major (I) – G Major (V) – Am (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)
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2. Radiohead – “Creep”
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G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – Cm (iv)
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3. Coldplay – “The Scientist”
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Dm (ii) – B♭ Major (IV) – F Major (VI) – Fm (vi) – C Major (I)
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While these examples may not have the exact same progression as “Hysteria,” they share similar elements such as classical harmony, chromatic chords, and secondary dominants. These features contribute to creating tension and excitement in the music, a hallmark of many popular and enduring songs.
Musical Analysis
The chorus follows a standard 8-chord progression in 4/4 time signature. It begins with a perfect cadence (I-V7), giving a sense of resolution and continuity. The progression moves to Dm (ii), a subdominant chord from the key of C, and then to Am (vi), a common relative minor substitution.
The second half of the progression starts the same as the first, with the I-V7 leading the listener back to the tonic via perfect cadence. It repeats the subdominant chord (Dm) once more, but now it moves to E7 (V7/vi). This is a secondary dominant (borrowed from the parallel C harmonic minor), which is a common way to create tension and excitement in a progression. It resolves back into the tonic by targeting the vi chord (Am) in the next repetition of the chorus.
Overall Analysis
The chorus of Muse’s “Hysteria” displays a mix of chords from the key of C Major and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor). The chord progression uses a combination of functional harmony mixed with chromatic elements, embodying characteristics of both rock and classical genres.
Style Analysis
Muse often utilizes elements from classical music in their progressive rock style. “Hysteria” is an excellent example of this blending of genres. The combination of functional harmony and chromatic elements, along with the secondary dominant at the end of the progression, creates an interesting and dynamic sound that is characteristic of Muse’s music.
What are the chords in: Muse – Hysteria – Chorus?
C, G7, Dm, Am, C, G7, Dm, E7
