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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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.

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.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that features a well-known four-chord progression throughout the verses. This progression is G – B – C – Cm, which is often considered one of the factors that contribute to the song’s memorable and emotional quality. The chord progression helps create a melancholic and haunting atmosphere in the song. This song is notably influenced by alternative rock and grunge styles from the early 90s.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is a pop rock song released in 1967. Musically, the track displays characteristics of the “Baroque pop” style combine with psychedelic pop. The composition is multifaceted with complex chord progressions inspired by classical music, as well as elements of the British music hall style, specifically brass band influences throughout.

Muse – Hysteria – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am, E7, Dm, Am, E7, Dm, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

* A minor (i)
* E7 (V7)
* D minor (iv)
* A minor (i)
* E7 (V7)
* D minor (iv)
* A minor (i)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
* A minor (i)
* A minor/Maj7 (i/Maj7)
* G (VII)
* D/F# (IV/6)
* E minor (v)
* E (V)
* A minor (i)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”:
* A minor (i)
* A minor/G (i/7)
* A minor/F# (i/6)
* A minor/F (i/6b)
* D (IV)
* G (VII)
* C (III)
* E (V)

In both of these similar progressions, the use of A minor as the tonic is consistent, and the chords utilized often borrow from other keys or use unexpected variations, resulting in unique harmonic progressions that generate tension and interest.

Musical Analysis

This chord progression uses the A minor as its tonic (home chord), which sets the dark and moody atmosphere of the song. The E7 is a secondary dominant (V7 of the IV, or D minor), used to increase tension and drive the progression forward. The D minor chord serves as a borrowed chord from the parallel key (A major) and provides a unique and unexpected twist, adding more depth to the harmonies.

Overall Analysis

“Hysteria” by Muse is a song with a heavy rock style, featuring a powerful bassline and distorted guitars. The chord progression mentioned is present in the first verse of the song. This progression is characterized by the use of standard tonal harmony and minor key tonality, with some slight variations that are typical in rock music.

Style Analysis

This progression has a typical rock feel, mostly because of the instrumentation, arrangement, and slightly unusual chords like the D minor borrowed chord. The repetitive pattern creates a sense of familiarity for the listener while still weaving in distinctive characteristics to maintain interest.

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

Am, E7, Dm, Am, E7, Dm, Am