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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Hurt”, written by Nine Inch Nails, exudes melancholy and despair through a slow progression that weaves intricate melodies between the chords. The tonality is primarily in B minor, but introduces D, E, A, and G chords throughout, indicating some mode mixture or borrowed chord use.

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a repetitive, hypnotic song that relies on a dark tonality and electronic elements to create its unique sound. This is achieved with the use of only two chords: Cm7 and F. Notably, a distinctive feature of this song is the lack of chordal diversity which aids in creating a minimal, industrial vibe.

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The outro of Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” features a chord progression in the key of C Major. It includes common chords from the key, as well as some borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor), which adds a level of tension and emotion to the progression. The outro has a cyclical nature, with the chords leading smoothly back into the beginning and building a sense of conclusion.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John is primarily in the key of Bb minor (the verses and chorus), but its outro transposes to the key of C Major, which gives a sensation of resolution. The chord progression in the Outro is a simple two-chord progression (I – V), which is extremely common in all styles of music and impacts the listener with its familiarity and stability.

Kali Uchis’ “Telepatia” features a relatively simple two-chord progression in the outro, consisting of a major seventh chord followed by a dominant seventh chord. The harmonic texture is sparse yet effective, with a unique, ethereal atmosphere created by the interplay between the two chords.

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