Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a chorus that uses a sophisticated and intricate chord progression to drive the emotional depth and thematic elements of the song. This progression combines inversions and extensions to create a layered and textured musical atmosphere, reflecting the complexity of the song’s lyrics and enhancing its reflective nature.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails mainly consists of a six-chord progression (Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G), repeating four times in the chorus. The sixth repetition alters the ending (Bm, G, A, B), and the key of the song is B Minor.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, “The Wall.” It is known for its haunting, ethereal quality, achieved through the use of predominantly minor chords, lush harmonies, and a slow, atmospheric tempo. The song’s lyrics and melancholic mood reflect feelings of loss and desolation.

Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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