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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

“Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles incorporates chords commonly associated with the genre of folk or country music. It is primarily built on a repetitive chord progression which consists of Am7, D7sus4, D7, G7, C, and C/B. There’s also a use of plenty of sevenths and suspensions to create a slightly jazzy feel. It’s also worth noting The Beatles’ penchant for chords that provide a mix of major and minor tonalities.

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“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

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The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “Nude” showcases a unique blend of minor and major chords within the key of E major, highlighting the band’s signature non-traditional approach to harmony. It features borrowed chords, as well as chromatic and diatonic motion between some chords.

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse sections utilize a common alternation between tonic (i) and submediant (VI) chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, which is typical for the music of Nine Inch Nails. The G major and F major chords in the verse sections introduce variety and give a unique character to the song. The chorus and bridge sections maintain the tension of the verses while expanding the harmonic palette with chords like A major (IV) and G major (III).

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” reflects the signature Nine Inch Nails sound, which is characterized by a blending of rock, electronic, and industrial music elements. The repeated use of i-VI chord alternation contributes to an overall sense of melancholy and resignation, and the distinctive use of the borrowed F major chord contributes to the song’s dark, moody atmosphere.

Overall Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

Style Analysis

1) Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Verse: A minor (i), A minor7/G (i7/♭VII), E minor (iv), D major (♭III)

2) Linkin Park – “Numb”
Verse: E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), D major (VII)

3) The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979”
Verse: E flat major (I), G minor (iii), C minor (vi), B flat major (V)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E