Muse – Megalomania – Verse 1
Megalomania < All Analyses
Chord Progression
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, C, G, Am, G, E, Am, B7
Chord Progression Analysis
B7 (V7/iv), Em (iv), B7 (V7/iv), Em (iv), F#m (ii), Am (iv in Em/VI in A), B7 (V7/iv), Em (iv), C (bIII), G (VI), Am (iv in Em/v in A), G (VII/v in A), E (V/v in A), Am (IV in C/iv in A), B7 (V7 in Em)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – Paranoid Android:
Dm9 (i), A9 (V/v), Fmaj7 (bIII), Bb7 (V/iv), Am7 (iv), E7 (V/ii), Fmaj7 (VI), G (VII), A7 (V in D), Asus2 (v), G(add9) (VII)
Here, Radiohead shares Muse’s use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords from the parallel key, and deceptive cadences in the rock context. Both bands create an emotional contrast between major and minor tonality through their harmonic progressions.
2. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody:
Bb (I), Bbm (i), G7 (V7/N), Cm (iv), F7 (V7/V), Bb (I)
Though having a simpler chord progression, Queen uses a pattern similar to Muse’s “Megalomania” with borrowed chords, such as Bbm from the parallel minor key, and secondary dominants, such as G7 and F7. This creates an engaging interaction between major and minor, with occasional surprises in harmonic resolution.
Musical Analysis
The verse begins with alternating B7 and Em chords. B7 acts as the secondary dominant (V7/iv) of the Em chord, emphasizing the tension and resolution in this progression. The movement between F#m and Am can be perceived as a chromatic mediant, where the chords are related by a third interval but have different qualities (major/minor).
As the progression continues, we see more borrowed chords such as C and G, which come from the parallel key of E major. This adds a sense of contrast and experimenting with both major and minor tonalities. The E chord functions as a dominant in A (V/v), but it doesn’t resolve as expected, creating a deceptive cadence when it goes to Am. Finally, the verse concludes with a B7 chord, resolving back to Em (V7/iv to iv) preparing for the next section.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
Muse often uses harmonic progressions that shift between major and minor, creating a sense of tension and release within their music. In “Megalomania”, Muse combines rock influences with classical and romantic harmonic idioms such as chromatic mediant relations, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and secondary dominants. The rich harmonic language contributes to the song’s sense of drama and emotional intensity, typical of the band’s energetic and theatrical performances.
What are the chords in: Muse – Megalomania – Verse 1?
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, C, G, Am, G, E, Am, B7
