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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 predominantly in the key of C minor. The song features a strong emphasis on repetition and minimalism, with the chord progressions mostly consisting of repeated chords within each section. The song has a moody and dark atmosphere, fitting the industrial rock genre.

Chord Progression Analysis (Pre-Chorus 2):
C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7)

Borrowed Chords:
There are no borrowed chords in this specific chord progression.

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

This chorus from The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” is an example of clever use of common chord transitions with several shifts in tonality. The chord progression uses the tonic key of C Major and F minor, showing complex modulation derived from modal interchange and secondary dominant techniques.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, released in 2004, is an alt-rock anthem that largely follows a 4-chord progression throughout the song. The key signature of the song is E minor (derived from the root chord), and essentially all chords used in the song are diatonic, meaning they are derived from the scales of the key. The chorus shifts to a progression in C Major. However, it returns to E minor at the end.

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