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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and introspective chord progression. The song is predominantly in the key of B minor. The verse and outro sections revolve around the Bm, D, and E chords, while the chorus uses a progression of Bm, G, D, A. The use of borrowed chords enriches the harmonic landscape, adding depth to the composition.

“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.

“Buddy Holly” by Weezer is a power-pop/alternative rock song from their debut studio album “Weezer” (also known as the Blue Album) released in 1994. The verse chord progression features diatonic chords from the A major key, along with some inversions and techniques borrowed from other musical styles such as blues and rock.

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song written in A minor. Its chord progression is an iconic reflection of the country and folk genres, and is a study of simplicity and effective songwriting.

The chord progression of “Jolene” uses primarily diatonic chords but also includes a borrowed chord which introduces a touch of complexity to the harmonic structure of the song.

“Guilty as Sin?” by Taylor Swift uses a chord progression in the verse that reflects a more nuanced and reflective approach, suitable for a song with a contemplative or emotive theme. The interplay between minor and major seventh chords creates a lush, complex sound that elevates the song’s introspective and somewhat moody lyrical content.

Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Verse

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Verse Chord Progression: Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), A (VII)

Chorus Chord Progression: Bm (i), G (VI), D (III), A (VII), Bm (i), G (VI), D (III), A (VII), Bm (i), G (VI), D (III), A (VII), Bm (i), G (VI), A (VII), B (I)

Outro Chord Progression: D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV), Bm (i), D (III), E (IV)

Note: There are no borrowed chords in this song.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord Progression: G (IV), B (VI), C (VII), Cm (vii°)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord Progression: Am (i), G (VII), C#o7 (ii°7), Am (i), C (III), E (V), Am (i)

3. Coldplay – “The Scientist”
Chord Progression: Dm (vi), Bb (IV), F (I), C (V)

These songs show some similarities in their use of repetitive chord progressions and combining both major and minor chords, which create a sense of melancholy or introspection.

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Hurt” uses a steady progression of i-III-IV, giving the piece a sense of melancholy by accentuating the B Minor tonality. The frequent repetition helps create a hypnotic, somber mood. The final A chord in the verse section acts as a setup for the transition into the chorus.

In the chorus, the progression shifts to i-VI-III-VII, adding a sense of hope with the major G and A chords (VI and VII). However, the pivot back to the Bm chord prompts a return to the initial tone of melancholy.

The outro shares the same chord progression as the verse, but it is shorter and serves to slowly wind down the intensity of the song, providing closure.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Hurt” is an alternative rock song that falls within the genres of dark ambient and industrial rock music. It has a sparse arrangement, with minimalist piano, guitar, and drum machine elements. The melancholic and introspective lyrics are accentuated by the somber and repetitive chord progressions.

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

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