Muse – Knights Of Cydonia – Verse
Knights Of Cydonia < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Muse – Knights Of Cydonia – Verse?
G#m, B, E, B, D#, E, G, B, Em, B, C, G, B, C, G, B, Em