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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.

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.

The verse of “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is generally in the key of C major (with some temporary modulations) and features a varied and interesting chord progression that is indicative of Elton John’s complex, piano-driven musical style.

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Looking at the entire song and isolating the verse, the chord progression provided shows a rock style often seen in Queens of the Stone Age compositions. The harmonic language of this song and its progression style fall within the realm of Pop / Rock music, with frequent use of minor chords suggesting a somber or introspective mood. On first glance, it appears to contain chords primarily from the key of F# minor, with no obvious borrowings from other keys. However, a closer inspection will allow us to delve deeper into their harmonic function.

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“Viva la Vida” mostly utilizes a four-chord progression thorough the song which is fairly common in popular music. The verse we are focusing on replicating the verse goes like this: C – D – G – Em. The chord progressions are pretty simple, catchy and give the song an uplifting feel.

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Muse – New Born – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III)

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B major (‘V/vi’)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
E minor (i) – A major (‘IV/iv’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
A minor (i) – A major (‘III/III’) – A minor (i) – G major (VII)
3. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
F minor (i) – B major (‘V/v’) – A♭ major (VI) – D♭ major (♭II)

These examples showcase chord progressions that incorporate borrowed chords or unusual harmonic relationships, much like the progression found in Muse’s “New Born.”

Musical Analysis

The sequence begins with the i (E minor) chord and alternates between E minor and B major (‘V/vi’) four times, creating a tension between these two chords. The B major chord is borrowed from the parallel major scale, E major. It leads nicely back to the tonic (Em) as a secondary dominant. The pattern then shifts to the VI (C major) and III (G major) chords, providing a brief sense of resolution before moving back to the borrowed B major chord, introducing tension once again. This 8-chord sequence repeats four times in the verse.

Overall Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression from Muse’s “New Born” reflects their signature harmonic daring and interesting relationships, which provides this piece with a fresh and captivating sound. The progression features a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as key shifts and chromaticism. It utilizes major-minor modal interchange and emphasizes the Em – B relationship throughout.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for their eclectic mix of genres, including rock, classical, electronica, and even film scores. In “New Born,” their use of borrowed chords, along with the alternation between E minor and B major throughout most of the verse, reflects their penchant for unconventional, dramatic, and intense sounds. The progression not only conveys tension but also showcases the band’s creativity in exploring unusual harmonic relationships.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of New Born by Muse are:

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G