Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Verse
Hurt < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Verse?
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
