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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 2 chord progression from Muse’s “New Born” reflects their signature harmonic daring and interesting relationships, which provides this piece with a fresh and captivating sound. The progression features a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as key shifts and chromaticism. It utilizes major-minor modal interchange and emphasizes the Em – B relationship throughout.

“Stairway to Heaven” is a progressive rock song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971. The song showcases a movement between different styles and musical settings, as it starts with a gentle, fingerpicked acoustic section and gradually evolves into a powerful and climactic electric guitar solo, finishing with a full-band finale. The song is characterized by its ascending progression and intricate chord changes, which contribute to its unique and haunting atmosphere. The verse 1 chord progression features a blend of diatonic and chromatic elements, borrowed chords, and inversions, which create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is based in the key of C major. The verse has a simple and catchy chord progression that primarily revolves around the I and IV chords in the key, with brief excursions to the dominant and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. This structure contributes to the song’s bluesy and rock’n’roll sound.

“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song heavily influenced by country and blues. The song is characterized by both major and minor chords, primarily G, C, A, and D. The song is in the key of G major from the verse 1 progression you provided, and it has elements of both I-IV-V and I-V-vi-IV.

Verse 1

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