Music Theory Alchemy

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a relatively simple chord structure, which allows the song to establish a pervasive atmosphere and direct the listener’s focus on the lyrics and melodies. This piece is in the key of C minor, and the chord progression is cyclical in nature, with Verse 2 consisting of the repetition of Cm7 chord throughout.

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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.

“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles is a song that stands out because of its unique chord progressions and thematic material. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is particularly captivating and somehow unusual compared to common pop/rock tunes.

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson is a jazz-fusion piece with a strong R&B and pop influence. The pre-chorus utilizes a smooth harmonic progression, involving the use of common jazz chords and inversions. The progression is primarily diatonic, with a few chromatic alterations, allowing for a sense of tension and resolution that contributes to the overall groove and smooth melody.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7

Chord Progression Analysis

The pre-chorus 2 is a simple progression consisting of a repeated Cm7 chord. This repetition creates a hypnotic effect, increasing tension throughout the section. The consistent use of a minor 7th chord adds a sense of darkness and dissonance that complements the overall atmosphere of the song. Even though the harmonic movement is minimal, the effect is still powerful in creating an emotional response.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Closer” falls under the industrial rock genre, characterized by heavily distorted instruments, dark and moody atmosphere, and often explicit lyrics. The song uses minimalism in its chord progressions, allowing the focus to be more on the dark tonal quality, the rhythms, and the lyrics. This repetition and minimalism in “Closer” conveys a sense of brooding and introspection that is common within the genre.

Overall Analysis

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is predominantly in the key of C minor. The song features a strong emphasis on repetition and minimalism, with the chord progressions mostly consisting of repeated chords within each section. The song has a moody and dark atmosphere, fitting the industrial rock genre.

Chord Progression Analysis (Pre-Chorus 2):
C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7)

Borrowed Chords:
There are no borrowed chords in this specific chord progression.

Style Analysis

1. Portishead – Sour Times
Chord Progression: Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7)

2. Radiohead – Creep
Chord Progression: G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv)

3. The Doors – Riders on the Storm
Chord Progression: Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7)

These songs by different artists share some similarities with “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. They all exhibit a brooding and introspective atmosphere and use simple, often repeated chords within their progressions in different sections. While they may not have the exact same chord progressions as “Closer,” their use of repetition and minimalism in their chord progressions helps cultivate a similar mood and emotional tone.

Chords in the Pre-Chorus 2 section of Closer by Nine Inch Nails are:

Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7