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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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The given chord progression is from the fourth verse of “Megalomania” by Muse. It reflects a mix of classical and rock influences and showcases Muse’s signature harmonic choices, featuring borrowed chords and non-diatonic elements.

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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.

“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer features a chorus with a simple, yet effective chord progression that combines the use of power chords with major chords. This combination gives the song its distinctive indie rock sound and contributes to its overall catchiness. The chorus is based on a four-chord progression with three different chords, where G5 power chord is followed by two major chords, C and D.

The “Glory Box” by Portishead chorus progression is based in D minor and moves between this primary D minor chord and three other chords: Dm/C, Bm7b5, and Bbmaj7. The Dm/C chord is the same as the D minor, but with a different note in the bass (C). The Bm7b5 is a half-diminished chord. The Bbmaj7 is major seventh chord.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” is a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, making it an interesting and unique progression. It features a combination of major, minor, and an altered seventh chord, adding to the overall complexity of the progression. The style is reminiscent of jazz and R&B, where more complex harmonic structures are often used. Some borrowings from different modes and chromaticism also contribute to its richness and distinct sound.

Muse – Megalomania – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, D, G, B7, C, B7, Am, B7

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – D Major (V/V) – G Major (IV) – B7 (V7/vi) – C Major (I) – B7 (V7/vi) – A minor (vi) – B7 (V7/vi)

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C Major is the borrowed chord from the parallel minor.
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Paranoid Android
Chord Progression: Gm9 (i) – Ebmaj7 (VI) – D7 (V7/IV) – G (bIII) – Gm (i) – A7 (V7/III) – D (bVII) – A7 (V7/III)
(Note that these chords are in G minor, not C major)

2. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Chord Progression: Bb (I) – G7 (V7/IV) – Cm7 (iv7) – F7 (V7) – Bb (I) – Bb7 (V7/IV) – Eb (IV) – Bb/Db (IV+) – Cm (ii)

These examples are only partial progressions from the respective songs, and not entire choruses. However, they do share similarities with the progression found in Muse’s “Megalomania,” particularly in their use of tension-building dominant chords and unconventional harmonic choices.

Musical Analysis

The chorus begins with the I chord, C Major, establishing tonality. Then it moves to the secondary dominant chord D Major, which functions as V/V (dominant of the dominant). This creates a sense of movement as it drives towards the G Major, the IV chord. Following the IV chord, the tension builds further with the V7/vi (B7) chord, giving an expectation that it will resolve to the A minor chord. However, a deceptive resolution to the C Major chord follows.

After returning to the C Major chord, the progression repeats the tension-building V7/vi (B7) chord, and this time resolves it to the A minor chord (vi). Finally, to round off the progression and lead it back to the beginning or to the next part of the song, the V7/vi (B7) chord is used again.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Megalomania” features a blend of major and minor chords, as well as the use of the dominant 7th chord (B7) to create tension and resolution. This progression provides a harmonic foundation for the powerful and emotional vocals, giving it an intense and memorable feel.

Style Analysis

Megalomania exhibits traits of progressive rock and alternative rock, with its use of complex, unconventional chord progressions and a blend of major and minor tonality. The use of a dominant 7th chord to create tension and the incorporation of borrowed chords contribute to the distinctive and emotionally evocative sound of Muse’s music.

Chords in the Chorus section of Megalomania by Muse are:

C, D, G, B7, C, B7, Am, B7