Muse – Megalomania – Verse 4
Megalomania < All Analyses
Chord Progression
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, E, Am, E, Am, B7, Em
Chord Progression Analysis
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B7 (V7) – Em (i) – B7 (V7) – Em (i) – F#m (ii) – Am (iv) – B7 (V7) – Em (i) – E (V) – Am (iv) – E (V) – Am (iv) – B7 (V7) – Em (i)
`Borrowed chord: Am (iv)`
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Similar Chord Progressions
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1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: Gm (i) – Eb (VI) – F (VII) – Bb (III) – Fsus4 (N/Asus4) – C (N/A)
2. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Ballad Section)
Chord Progression: Bb (I) – Bb7 (V7/IV) – Eb (IV) – Bbm (vi) – G7 (V7/vi) – Cm (ii)
These examples showcase unexpected chord choices and harmonic twists reminiscent of Muse’s “Megalomania” progression. The artists explore non-diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and shifts in tonality, reflecting their unique and distinctive sound signatures.
Musical Analysis
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The verse begins with the tonic, Em (i), being preceded by its dominant, B7 (V7), which creates a strong sense of resolution. The alternation between B7 and Em establishes the tonal center early on. The introduction of F#m (ii) adds a slight shift in tonality, while the borrowed chord, Am (iv), serves to further enhance the harmonic landscape, providing a darker atmosphere. The progression then returns to the V7-i relationship, emphasizing the tonal center.
In the second half of the verse, the chords E (V) and Am (iv) create an interesting juxtaposition, as the E major chord would more naturally be followed by a B major chord in a typical V-I progression. This non-diatonic choice showcases Muse’s penchant for using unexpected harmonic turns. The verse ends by returning to the strong V7-i cadence, B7 to Em, reestablishing the E minor tonality.
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Overall Analysis
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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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Style Analysis
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Muse is known for incorporating classical harmonic elements and rock instrumentation into their music. This chord progression in “Megalomania” demonstrates their elaborate harmonic language and incorporation of borrowed chords. The combination of unexpected chord choices, such as the borrowed Am (iv), creates a unique harmonic texture and contributes to Muse’s signature sound. The fluctuation between major and minor tonalities is a nod to classical techniques while the distorted guitar and raw vocal delivery maintain their rock identity.
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What are the chords in: Muse – Megalomania – Verse 4?
B7, Em, B7, Em, F#m, Am, B7, Em, E, Am, E, Am, B7, Em
