Muse – Megalomania – Verse 2
Megalomania < All Analyses
Chord Progression
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, C, G, Am, G, E, Am, B7, E
Chord Progression Analysis
B7 (V7/IV), Em (i), B7 (V7/IV), Em (i), F#m (ii), Am (iv), B7 (V7/IV), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), Am (iv), G (III), E (I), Am (iv), B7 (V7/IV), E (I)
`B7 – Secondary Dominant V7 of IV`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – Karma Police
Em (i), G (III), Am (iv), Em (i), G (III B7(V7/IV), Em (i)
2. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Verse)
Bb (I), Gm (vi), Cm (ii), F (V), Gm (vi), Bb (I), Eb (IV), F7 (V7), A7 (V7/IV)
These two examples share a few similar characteristics with the chord progression in Megalomania, such as the use of secondary dominant chords, dynamic shifts between major and minor chords, and the inclusion of borrowed chords.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with a secondary dominant, B7, that resolves to the tonic chord Em. This V7/IV – i progression creates a strong feeling of resolution, giving the listener a clear sense of the home key. The repetition of B7 and Em, followed by F#m and Am, which are diatonic chords in E minor, maintains the sense of the home key, while the B7 serves as a pivot chord, creating tension and interest.
The progression continues with the return of the B7 and Em, before introducing the borrowed chord, C major. This VI chord introduces an interesting and unexpected shift in the harmony as it is borrowed from E major.
Following the C major chord, G major (III) and Am (iv) chords are introduced, creating a sense of movement away from the home key. This movement brings the passage to another borrowed chord, E major (I), temporarily suggesting a modulation to the relative major key.
Finally, the progression concludes with a Am (iv) and B7 (V7/IV) before resolving back to E major (I), emphasizing the return of the home key and completing the chord progression.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
Megalomania is a progressive rock track with dark and dramatic characteristics. The song features dense orchestration with heavy use of strings, choir, and a distinct theatrical style reminiscent of Queen, Radiohead, and other progressive rock bands. The use of chromatic tones, secondary dominant chords, and borrowed chords adds tension, variety, and a sense of complexity in the harmony. The sense of harmonic unpredictability is a characteristic feature of progressive rock, where non-diatonic chords and tonal shifts are widely used to create an elaborate sound.
What are the chords in: Muse – Megalomania – Verse 2?
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, C, G, Am, G, E, Am, B7, E
