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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 chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

“Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” features a memorable and catchy chord progression, with a mix of major and minor chords that creates an overall uplifting and pleasant atmosphere. The song is in the key of G Major and employs a simple and repetitive progression, characteristic of pop and rock music. Although the chord progression is fairly common, the rhythmic pattern and melodic line make the song stand out among other pop and rock tunes.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys showcases the artistic depth and compositional craft of Brian Wilson, the band’s primary songwriter. The song utilizes a complex chord progression and key changes that are unconventional for pop music of its time. The chord progression creates a sense of constant mood transitions, similar to arias in Romantic era music.

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a chord progression that is stereotypical of the genre. The verse and chorus unfold in the key of E minor, with the verse using primarily a cycle of Em7 and Am7. In terms of musical mood and expressivity, the progression conveys a melancholic yet energetic feeling, which is characteristic of the rock genre.

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