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The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is based primarily around the C minor 7 chord, giving the song its dark and moody atmosphere. The song is in the key of C minor. This chord progression is repetitive and simple, allowing other aspects of the song, such as the lyrics and production, to take center stage.

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.

“Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones, from their album “Sticky Fingers” (1971), features a fairly straightforward repetitive chord progression of D, A, G, D in the verse. The key here is D Major. This common progression falls into a I-V-IV-I pattern known as a “plagal cadence”. It’s a progression which consists of a major key followed by its dominant (V), then its subdominant (IV), taking us back to the tonic (I).

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.

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)

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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’]