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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in Muse’s “Feeling Good” is in the key of G minor and showcases an interesting and creative use of borrowed chords and inversions. The progression follows a cyclical pattern that creates tension and release throughout the verse. The style is reminiscent of soul and jazz influences with a hint of rock elements, which is a common characteristic in Muse’s music.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of “Congratulations” by MGMT features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The song appears to be in G major, and the progression showcases several common techniques such as the use of inversions (G/F#), borrowed chords (Dsus4), and extended chords (Em7).

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that gained significant attention for its melancholic lyrics and distinctive chord progression. The verse chord progression features major chords, followed by a switch to a minor chord, which creates an unexpected twist and contributes to the emotive quality of the song. This specific progression is relatively rare in popular music but has been used in various other songs.

Muse – New Born – Verse 3

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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

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