Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails works within a minimalist musical framework, where a few shiftless chords and tension-filled pentatonic melodies define the song. It inculcates a dark atmospheric mood through its instrumentation and harmony. The repetitive and consistent use of the Cm7 chord creates a haunting, pulsating groove that add to the atmospheric layer of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is a fairly simple one that revolves around two key centers, Ab major and Eb major. The main chords used are based on the I-IV-V structure which is common in rock and pop music. It features a major I-IV relationship and an unexpected chord, F major, which adds some harmonic interest.

“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

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