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The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

The verse 2 chord progression in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse follows a typical jazz/pop style with the use of extended and altered chords such as Major 7th and minor 7th ♭5 chords. It also features a variation in line with the different sections of the piece.

“Little Red Corvette” by Prince is in the key of Gb Major. The song is a staple of 80’s pop and a good example of Prince’s signature sound of fusing elements from different genres, such as funk, pop, and rock. It’s a strong blend of complex chord progressions and simple, catchy melodic lines which adds a compelling depth to the music.

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.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock song released in 1995. The song is in the key of E minor and primarily uses power chords derived from the E minor scale throughout the song. Power chords or ‘5’ chords, like B5 or G5, don’t have a major or minor quality and are often used in rock music for their strong and neutral sound. The song also applies modal mixture (borrowing chords from parallel keys) for color and tension.

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