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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is written in C minor key, and the overall structure of the song consists of a verse, pre-chorus, and a chorus. The progression is simple yet effective in creating a dark and moody atmosphere, consistent with the industrial rock genre that characterizes Nine Inch Nails’ music.

Pre-Chorus 1 –

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

** The Beatles are well known for their creative and unusual use of chords and harmonies. In “Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds”, there is a clear example of their innovative harmonic vocabulary. They employ a variety of common, borrowed, and chromatic mediant chords to create a remarkable soundscape that complements the psychedelic theme of the song.

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“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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The chord progression for Verse 2 is:
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)

“`
No borrowed chords are present in this progression.
“`

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Similar Chord Progressions

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One song with a somewhat similar chord progression is “Rock + Roll” by EDEN. This song also uses a constant, singular chord through the verse, creating a similar atmospheric quality, though it operates in a major key. The verse chord progression is:
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)

Another equivalent progression occurs in The Beatles’ song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”, which also settles on a single repeated chord (Am) in the primary verse section. This is another example of how a monotonous chord progression can generate a hypnotic, immersive soundscape. The verse chord progression here is:
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)

Musical Analysis

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The Cm7 (‘i7) chord is the tonic of the C minor key. It serves as the home base and provides a sense of resolution to the musical tension. The repetitive usage of the same chord gives the track a hypnotic, drone-like quality, creating an introspective and somber atmosphere. This monotonous progression underlines the lyrics and vocal melody, contributing to the emotional intensity of the song.

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Overall Analysis

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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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Style Analysis

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Nine Inch Nails, known for their industrial rock style, often employ simplistic chord progressions to emphasize their complex rhythmic instrumentation and introspective, often dark, lyrics. The repetition of the Cm7 chord in “Closer” is representative of this approach, as it helps to maintain the gloomy and introspective atmosphere throughout the song.

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Chords in the Verse 2 section of Closer by Nine Inch Nails are:

[‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’]