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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 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.

“3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle revolves around a rock ballad style with an alternative rock genre. It features distinctive chord progressions and some borrowing from outside of the primary key. The harmonic progression in the chorus is relatively simple but contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.

“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.

This is a beautiful chorus from “Rocket Man,” a song by Elton John. The overall vibe of the song is nostalgic and melancholy, largely due to the combination of key changes, chord progression, and Elton John’s vocal melody. The song appears to be in the key of G major.

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