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