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Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

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Nine Inch Nails

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.

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Pink Floyd

The Verse of “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd showcases a unique and non-diatonic chord progression that focuses on D mixolydian mode with added sus2 chords and an augmented chord. It deviates from traditional harmony patterns and creates a spacious, floating feel. The chords occur in a consistent pattern and are mostly slash chords with the constant presence of the D note in the bass, which further strengthens the D tonality.

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The Rolling Stones

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a chord progression that is stereotypical of the genre. The verse and chorus unfold in the key of E minor, with the verse using primarily a cycle of Em7 and Am7. In terms of musical mood and expressivity, the progression conveys a melancholic yet energetic feeling, which is characteristic of the rock genre.

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The Beatles

“Hey Jude,” by The Beatles, is an iconic song. The chord progression is in the key of D major and it follows a sort of Variation on I-V-IV-I progression of many pop and rock songs. However, what makes this song extremely unique is its out-of-the-box structure and the experimental use of borrowed cords – it shows The Beatles’ fondness for combining elements of pop, rock and classical music and results in an emotional, powerful progression that resonates strongly with listeners.

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Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse

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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#, B, C#, G

Chord Progression Analysis

Verse – Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI)

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord Progression: G (IV), B (vi), C (VII), Cm (vii)
While not an exact match, “Creep” has some similarities to “Closer” in its use of chromaticism and the intermittent shift between major and minor chords. The chord progression in “Creep” pivots around the tonal center (G), while incorporating elements of color through the use of the Cm chord.

2. The Cure – “Fascination Street”
Chord Progression: G#min (i), F# (VII), E (VI), F# (VII)
“Fascination Street” shares the dark atmosphere and brooding quality associated with “Closer,” using a simple, repetitive chord progression to create an eerie, haunting effect. The use of the descending progression from G#min to F# and E contributes to this unsettling feel.

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Closer” is characterized by a consistent alternation between the tonic (i) and supertonic (ii) chords, with an occasional use of the bVI chord to add tension and color. This creates a hypnotic effect, and the repeated pattern contributes to the driving, mechanical nature of the song. The entire song is built upon this relatively simple chordal foundation, which helps to emphasize the dark, brooding atmosphere and the melancholic melodies.

Overall Analysis

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a dark and provocative piece built upon a relentless, driving chord progression and sinuous melodies. The downbeat feel and chromaticism contribute to the brooding, unsettling mood of the song, which is a hallmark of the industrial rock genre. The piece is in the key of B minor.

Style Analysis

“Closer” falls under the industrial rock genre, characterized by a heavy use of electronic elements, distorted sounds, and dark lyrical content. This song is emblematic of the late-1980s to mid-1990s period of Nine Inch Nails’ career, when they were heavily influenced by industrial and electronic music styles. The repetitive nature of the chord progression, combined with the aggressive and provocative lyrics, contribute to the raw, confrontational sound that is typical of the industrial rock genre.

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

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#, B, C#, G

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