Music Theory Alchemy

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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 chord progression from Muse’s “Hate This And I’ll Love You” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The progression is in the key of A major and shows an unconventional use of chords that gives the song its unique sound. It also showcases certain characteristics of Muse’s music style that includes complex chord progressions and frequent changes between major and minor harmonies.

Chord Progression Analysis and Roman Numerals:

A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'),
Gm ('bVII'), D ('IV'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'),
D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V')

The borrowed chord in this progression is Gm, taken from the parallel minor, A minor:
`Gm (‘bVII’)`

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“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

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“Im Still Standing” by Elton John is a classic rock/pop song composed in E Major. You can see that this is a complex composition with frequent chord changes, giving it a rich musical texture. The chord progression is not diatonic, which means that it includes chords from outside of its home key of E Major.

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The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

Muse – Hysteria – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E7, Dm, Am, E7, Dm, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

E7 (V7/vi), Dm (iv), Am (i), E7 (V7/vi), Dm (iv), Am (i)

* E7 is a borrowed chord from the E harmonic minor scale.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Paranoid Android
Chord Progression: G#(b5) (V7/vi), Fm (iv), Cm (i), G#(b5) (V7/vi), Fm (iv), Cm (i)

2. Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven (Verse)
Chord Progression: Em (i), D/F# (VII6), Gmaj7 (IVmaj7), D7 (VII7), C (bVI), G/B (IV6), Am (v), Am/C (v6)

Note that these chord progressions are not exact matches to Hysteria, but they share certain elements of harmonic interest and movement through the use of borrowed chords or secondary dominants.

Musical Analysis

This progression features a non-diatonic chord (E7) borrowed from the E harmonic minor scale that adds tension and unpredictability to the overall tonality of the song. The oscillation between the minor plagal cadence (Dm – Am) and interrupted cadence (Am – E7) creates a sense of instability and constantly fluctuating tonality, which complements the song’s intense and frantic atmosphere.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for blending rock, alternative, and electronic music with classical and orchestral elements, creating a distinctive and dramatic sound. The use of a secondary dominant and borrowed chords contribute to the emotional intensity and captivating nature of the song. This particular chord progression captures a dark and brooding nature often evident in Muse’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Hysteria by Muse are:

E7, Dm, Am, E7, Dm, Am