Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the riff from Muse’s “New Born” is intriguing and creative, employing chromaticism and non-diatonic chords to create a unique and dramatic sound. The progression consists of four chords: C, A#dim7, Bsus4, and B. This progression doesn’t adhere to a single key, making it difficult to analyze in terms of functional harmony. However, it showcases Muse’s experimental tendencies, a quintessential aspect of their music style.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major and minor keys. The progression features strong harmonic movement with a pivot modulation. Muse is known for their dramatic, often symphonic rock sound, and this progression is no exception in showing off their signature style. The progression also shares some similarities with other artists’ works in both structure and harmonic content.

“Love Of My Life” by Queen, especially Verse 3, showcases a mix of simple and complex harmony, with many secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished chords contributing to varying and shifting tonal centres. This makes for an emotional and contextually appropriate progression that fits well with the song’s lyrical content.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

**

“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

**

Muse – New Born – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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

Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Am (i), Em (v), G (VII), D (iv), C (III), G (VII), Bm (i), Em (v)

2. The Cranberries – “Zombie”
Em (i), C (VI), G (III), D (IV)

3. Nirvana – “Come As You Are”
Em (i), G (III), F# (II), A (iv)

These songs share a similar sense of tension and release in their chord progressions, often using a combination of minor and major chords to create a sense of dynamics and urgency. While each song has its unique take on harmony and progression, they all showcase the stylistic similarities between alternative rock and progressive rock compositions.

Musical Analysis

The progression consists mainly of alternating Em (i) and B (V) chords, a common minor key movement that emphasizes the i-V relationship. This progression creates a sense of tension that drives the harmonic structure. The addition of the C (VI) and G (III) chords provides a moment of relief, creating more interest in the progression. These chords also appear in the relative major key of G, helping bring a sense of balance between the dark and brighter sides of the progression.

Overall Analysis

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

Style Analysis

Muse often incorporates elements of progressive rock and alternative rock in their music, and “New Born” is no exception. The simple yet effective chord progression emphasizes the distinction between major and minor chords, a hallmark of both progressive and alternative rock genres. Furthermore, the use of driving bass lines and complex drum patterns adds to the sense of depth and tension in the piece.

Chords in the Verse 3 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