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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

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.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is characterized by a lush, cinematic melody that encapsulates John’s knack for crafting pop ballad choruses. Its base key is D Major, showcasing a mix of diatonic, dominant seventh, and borrowed chords. Its diverse chord progression is reflective of Elton John’s diverse influences, which include pop, rock, blues, and classical music.

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” features a mix of major, minor, and augmented chords, which contributes to the song’s unique sound and emotional depth. The progression has an unconventional and intriguing quality, while still maintaining a sense of harmonic coherence.

The song “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and follows a fairly simple chord progression in the pop/rock genre. This progression particularly makes use of the I, IV, V, and vi chords in this key, which is a typical pop progression.

Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

Based on the provided chord progressions and analyzing the base key, the song appears to be in the key of G minor. The chorus chord progression occurs as follows:

G minor (i), Bb Major (III), F Major (VII), C Major (IV),
G minor (i), Bb Major (III), F Major (VII), C Major (IV),
G minor (i), Bb Major (III), F Major (VII), C Major (IV),
G minor (i), Bb Major (III), F Major (VII), C Major (IV),
G minor (i), Bb Major (III), F Major (VII), C Major (IV)

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “With or Without You” by U2:
D Major (I), A Major (V), B minor (vi), G Major (IV)

2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey:
E Major (I), B Major (V), C# minor (vi), A Major (IV)

3. “Apologize” by OneRepublic:
Cm (i), Ab (VI), Eb (III), Bb (VII)

These songs have similar pop and alternative rock style chord progressions. They share the use of major and minor chords to create an emotional and melodic quality, which may evoke feelings of nostalgia, sadness, or resolution. While they are not identical to the chord progression in “Right Where It Belongs”, the essence of the emotional connection through the progression is analogous.

Musical Analysis

The harmonic progression of the chorus is unique, with the G minor (i) starting off the section and going to Bb Major (III), which is borrowed from its parallel major G major, giving a slight lift two steps away from the root key, and then resolving to its relative major F Major (VII). The progression then smoothly moves to C Major (IV), which is shared by G major and C major diatonics. As a result, this creates an interesting movement and emotional quality to the music.

Overall Analysis

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is a song characterized by its melodic and harmonic structure. It has a unique yet familiar sound, blending pop and alternative rock elements with its rich chord progression and powerful melody.

Style Analysis

The style of “Right Where It Belongs” is inherently alternative rock with electronic, industrial, and ambient elements. The song features synthesizers and electronic instruments, creating a dense and atmospheric sound, while the acoustic piano and Trent Reznor’s emotive voice adds depth to the piece. The harmonic progression provides an emotional and melancholic quality, which aids in establishing the mood of the song.

Chords in the Chorus section of Right Where It Belongs by Nine Inch Nails are:

Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C, Gm, Bb, F, C