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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails works within a minimalist musical framework, where a few shiftless chords and tension-filled pentatonic melodies define the song. It inculcates a dark atmospheric mood through its instrumentation and harmony. The repetitive and consistent use of the Cm7 chord creates a haunting, pulsating groove that add to the atmospheric layer of the song.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

This particular section is mostly based in the key of F major and highlights Freddie Mercury’s love for moving from the classical I-ii-V progression to the jazz-inspired I-IV-ii-V, often followed by a jazzy II-V-I. In this part of the song, you will find some interesting use of borrowed chords and leading tones, contributing to the chromaticism that enriches the progression.

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The Beatles were known for their innovative use of musical elements, and this can be seen in “I Want To Hold Your Hand”. The song is largely in the key of G major, but it also has some borrowed chords from other keys. This variety creates a unique listening experience that keeps the song fresh.

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“Dont Let Me Down” by The Beatles is a song that’s heavily grounded in the key of E Major, with some interesting use of borrowed chords for a richer, more emotional harmonic texture. The song is a fine example of The Beatles’ songwriting style, which often involves mixing diatonic chords with chromatic passing chords, borrowed chords, and secondary dominants.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Bridge

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Chord Progression

E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E

Chord Progression Analysis

Bridge – E Major (I), F# major (II), E Major (I), A major (IV), E Major (I), F# major (II), E Major (I), D# diminished (vii°), E Major (I)
Verse – B Major (V), C# minor (vi), B Major (V), C# minor (vi), G# minor (iii)
Pre-Chorus – Similar to verse
Chorus – C# minor (vi), F# major (II), B major (V), C diminished (ii°)
Instrumental – C# minor (vi)

Borrowed Chords:
The C diminished (ii°) chord in the chorus is borrowing from E harmonic minor.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Verse – B major (I), C# minor (ii), G# minor (vi), E major (IV)
Chorus – F# major (V), B major (I), C# minor (ii)

2. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Verse – F# major (II), B major (V), G# minor (iii), E major (I)
Chorus – C# minor (vi), A major (IV), E major (I)

These examples share some overlapping chords and a similar harmonic structure, with alternating tension and release, contributing to the emotive qualities of each song.

Musical Analysis

The track employs a variety of rhythmic and tonal contrast to create a sense of tension and release. The verses showcase a frequent switch between the V and vi chords, creating a sense of instability and restlessness. The pre-chorus shares this quality, employing the same chords. The chorus departs slightly from this pattern, introducing the borrowed ii° chord for a heightened sense of tension. Finally, the bridge alternates between the I and II chords, providing a reprieve from the tension established in prior sections of the song.

Overall Analysis

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

Style Analysis

Nine Inch Nails’ distinct industrial rock and electronic influences are evident in the heavy, distorted guitars and prominent synthesizers throughout “Closer.” The intricate drum patterns and use of atmospheric, processed sounds contribute to the overall aesthetic. Moreover, the chord progressions and melodic structure, especially the use of a borrowed chord in the chorus, lend a sense of unease and darkness, fitting of the band’s broader lyrical and thematic content.

Chords in the Bridge section of Closer by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E, E, F#, E, A, E, F#, E, D#, E