Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Outro
Hurt < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The outro of this piece follows a three-chord progression for the most part, with a repetition of the sequence D, E, Bm. This would be an IV-v-i progression in the key of B Minor. Translates to:
“`bash
D Major (‘IV’)
E Major (‘v’)
B Minor (‘i’)
“`
For reference, the v chord is actually a borrowed chord from the parallel major key of B Major, as the natural state in a minor key would have been E minor.
Similar Chord Progressions
Many songs utilize similar chord progressions. The IV-v-i progression finds a close relative in the IV-V-I progression, synonymous with songs like “Let it Be” by the Beatles. The difference lies in the final chord being major instead of minor. Another song demonstrating a chromatic mediants relationship similar to D, E, Bm would be “Creep” by Radiohead.
“Let it Be” by The Beatles:
“`bash
C Major (IV)
G Major (V)
F Major (I)
“`
“Creep” by Radiohead:
“`bash
G Major (‘I’)
B Major (‘III’)
C Major (‘IV’)
C Minor (‘iv’)
“`
This IV-v-i progression used in “Hurt” is fairly unique in the sense that it uses the major V instead of the expected minor v in a minor key. The borrowed chord combined with the melancholic B minor allows Nine Inch Nails to craft a hauntingly beautiful soundscape, characteristic of their music.
Musical Analysis
The D major and E major chords lend a sense of uplifting resolve since both chords are principals in the parent scale of B minor. This, coupled with the heavy use of B minor creates a deep, melancholic mood that is typical for Nine Inch Nails and their dark alternative brand of rock music. The progression doesn’t leave the tonic B Minor too far behind, giving the song a somber atmosphere.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Hurt” encapsulates the industrial rock style of Nine Inch Nails, which combines elements of rock with electronic music. The simple, repetitive chord progression gives room for the haunting lyrics and intense, emotional vocals. The use of the borrowed chord helps create an unexpected shift in the tonality, adding to the unsettling nature of the music.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Outro?
[‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘E’]
