Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Bridge
Closer < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Bridge?
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
