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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

“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.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

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