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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

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.

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock song written in the key of C Major. It’s a brilliant representation of 60s and 70s folk-rock music with a chord sequence that is very recognizable, even to this day.

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The verse chord progression in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” features a bright and uplifting feel, with a mix of major and minor chords. The progression is in the key of A major and showcases a simplicity that is common in pop and folk music.

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song written in A minor. Its chord progression is an iconic reflection of the country and folk genres, and is a study of simplicity and effective songwriting.

The chord progression of “Jolene” uses primarily diatonic chords but also includes a borrowed chord which introduces a touch of complexity to the harmonic structure of the song.

Muse – Knights Of Cydonia – Verse

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Chord Progression

G#m, B, E, B, D#, E, G, B, Em, B, C, G, B, C, G, B, Em

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G#m (i),
B (III),
E (VI),
B (III),
D# (V),
E (VI),
G (bV),
B (III),
Em (v),
B (III),
C (bIV),
G (bV),
B (III),
C (bIV),
G (bV),
B (III),
Em (v)
“`

Borrowed Chords:
“`
G (bV), C (bIV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
“`
Am (i),
E (V),
G (bVII),
D (IV),
C (bIII),
E (V),
Bm (v),
F# (V),
Dm (iv))
“`

2. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (verse)
“`
Bb (I),
Bb7 (V7),
Eb (IV),
Bb7 (V7),
Bbsus2 (Isus2),
Cm (ii),
F (V),
Bb (I),
Dm (iii),
Gm (vi),
C7 (V7),
F7 (IV7),
Bb (I))
“`

These songs also feature complex and unconventional chord progressions, incorporating borrowed chords, key shifts, and chromatic movement. They similarly incorporate elements of progressive rock and symphonic rock in their compositions, drawing parallels to “Knights of Cydonia.”

Musical Analysis

This progression starts in the key of G# minor with G#m (i), followed by B (III) from the same key. The progression then shifts to E major with E (VI). It then returns to B (III), which can also function as the V chord of E major, creating a sense of ambiguity between the two keys.

The next set of chords features a chromatic movement from D# (V) to E (VI) and then down to G (bV), a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (G# natural minor). The progression then returns to B (III) before temporarily shifting to the key of E minor with Em (v) and B (III).

This is followed by another set of borrowed chords, C (bIV) and G (bV), both from the E natural minor key, adding further tension to the progression. The progression then alternates between B (III) and these borrowed chords before concluding with Em (v).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the G# minor and E major keys. The progression features an interesting blend of major and minor chords, chromatic movement, and modulation, contributing to the epic and powerful sound of the track.

Style Analysis

“Knights of Cydonia” showcases Muse’s signature progressive rock and symphonic rock influences, with its dramatic chord progression, large dynamic shifts, and intricate arrangement. The use of modulation and borrowed chords further adds to the epic, cinematic quality of the track, which is a common feature in Muse’s music.

Chords in the Verse section of Knights Of Cydonia by Muse are:

G#m, B, E, B, D#, E, G, B, Em, B, C, G, B, C, G, B, Em