Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus
Closer < All Analyses
Chord Progression
B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#
Chord Progression Analysis
The pre-chorus features a repeating back and forth between the I (B major) and II (C# major) chords, which are not typical chords used consecutively in a diatonic chord progression. This toggling between I and II chords creates a driving, unresolved tension in the music. The introduction of the borrowed G major (bVI) chord briefly breaks this tension and adds another layer of color to the chord progression. This progression is unconventional and helps create a distinct sound for the song.
Similar Chord Progressions
Musical Analysis
The piece is characterized by its industrial rock style, with heavy use of electronic sounds, percussion, and aggressive guitar work. The use of unconventional chord progressions contributes to this industrial sound, creating a darker and more ambiguous tonality.
Overall Analysis
The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.
Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):
The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)
Borrowed Chord:
G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.
Style Analysis
1. Depeche Mode – “Personal Jesus”
Chord Progression: E major (I) – G major (bIII) – A major (IV) – B major (V)
2. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: G# minor (i) – B major (III) – A major (bIII) – C# minor (v)
These two examples also utilize unconventional chord progressions, with borrowed chords from parallel minor or major keys, as well as the mixing of both conventional diatonic chords and non-diatonic chords in their progressions.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus?
B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#, G, B, C#, B, C#, B, C#
