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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

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.

The outro of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” features a mix of power chords and triadic chords, with predominant iim7 and IV triads along with some embellishing chords. The piece has a rock-based style, with the emphasis on power chords, a driving rhythm, and intense dynamics. The chord progression borrows elements from different genres, such as pop and classical, with some interesting chromatic movement.

The outro of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix uses a descending circle of fifths chord progression, which is a very common progression in many styles of music, particularly in the Baroque period and in blues-based rock music. The progression features a steady descent through the Circle of Fifths that creates a strong sense of harmony and resolution. In this context, Jimi Hendrix uses the progression to create tension and momentum, which is appropriate for an outro section.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince features an unorthodox chord progression compared to many pop or rock songs from the era. The chord progression in the Outro as well as throughout the song remains constant, which underscores the plaintive mood of the song and lyrics. The progression: Em – F – G in the Outro contains borrowed chords from the parallel minor. This introduces a sense of ambiguity to the overall tonality.

Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Outro

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Chord Progression

D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E

Chord Progression Analysis

Outro:
– D major (IV)
– E major (V)
– B minor (i)
Repeated five times

The chords used in the outro are diatonic to the key of B minor, and none of them are borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

– Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)” – Chord Progression: Am, C, D, G, Emin, C, G, D
– Johnny Cash – “I See a Darkness” – Chord Progression: Dm, C, Bb, A
– Nirvana – “Something in the Way” – Chord Progression: Em, C, G, Em

While each of these examples may not be exact matches, they share a similar mood and simplicity in the chord progressions and are representative of the melancholic and haunting theme found in the song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails. The chord progressions, as well as the emotional tone, can be seen through the use of minor keys and the sparse, introspective nature of the songs.

Musical Analysis

The harmonic progression used in the outro (IV-V-i) creates a sense of resolution and closure, with the subdominant (IV) moving to the dominant (V) and then resolving to the tonic (i). This progression has a strong sense of movement and tension, which contributes to the emotional impact of the song.

Overall Analysis

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

The style of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails can be described as a melancholic, haunting, and introspective, with its slow tempo and intimate vocal delivery. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a few chords and a somber key of B minor, creating a barren sound. The minimalistic chord progression, lyrical content, and production contribute to the overall moody atmosphere and introspection.

Chords in the Outro section of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails are:

D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E, Bm, D, E