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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is built around a progression that oscillates between a single major chord, F, and a single minor seventh chord, Cm7. This is quite minimalistic. Major chords usually have a happy, positive feel, while minor chords induce a somewhat sad, introspective mood. The use of C minor 7th gives a particular color to the progression: it’s a minor chord with an added minor seventh, which means it’s a bit less stable than a regular minor chord.

The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.

“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles, is a song in the key of C Major, but it has an interesting harmonic structure, especially in the chorus. The song features a number of borrowed and secondary dominant chords to create tension that resolves into the tonic chord. The chorus’s progression can be seen as a series of descending minor thirds, with an unexpected shift to a ii-V-I progression which is quite popular in jazz music.

This chorus from The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” is an example of clever use of common chord transitions with several shifts in tonality. The chord progression uses the tonic key of C Major and F minor, showing complex modulation derived from modal interchange and secondary dominant techniques.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C#, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, C#

Chord Progression Analysis

Chorus: C# Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – F# Major (V) – B minor (i) – C Major (bII) – C# Major (bII)

Borrowed Chords:

The C Major chord is a borrowed chord since it is from the parallel major key (B Major).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor): C Major (I) – D# diminished (viio) – E minor (iii) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V)

2. “Karma Police” by Radiohead: G Major (I) – B minor (iii) – F# minor (ii) – A Major (IV) – D Major (V)

3. “Creep” by Radiohead: G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C minor (iv)

While the chord progressions in these songs may not be identical to “Closer,” they share a similar use of borrowed chords, chromaticism, and modal mixture as a means of creating harmonic interest and tension. These qualities are typical of alternative rock and electronic music and contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the songs.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Closer” features a repeated chord progression with predominant use of the bII borrowed chord (C Major and C# Major). The progression revolves between the tonic (B minor), a dominant function (F# Major), and the bII chord, creating a sense of tension and resolution throughout the chorus. The use of borrowed chords adds a sense of color and variety to the overall harmonic structure.

Overall Analysis

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a song in the key of B minor, although it freely borrows chords from the parallel major key. The song’s structure is as follows: Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus – Instrumental.

Style Analysis

In terms of style, “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is an example of industrial rock with electronic elements. It is characterized by its use of synthesized sounds, gritty production, and aggressive lyrics. The incorporation of chromaticism, modal mixture, and borrowed chords is a defining feature in the harmonic vocabulary of the song, which contributes to its dark and dissonant musical atmosphere.

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

C#, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, F#, B, C, C#