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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 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.

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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The chord progression in Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd features a combination of diatonic chords and some extensions to create a lush, ethereal sound. The progression mainly circulates around the key of E minor, with added color tones and an emotional center created by the interplay of chords such as the major 7th and the addition of the 9th degree to certain chords.

“Wonderwall” is a song by Oasis, a British rock band. The song showcases the blend of rock and Britpop style. The chord progression in the verse reflects a strong pop feeling, primarily residing in the key of G major.

Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

D minor (‘i’), C major (‘bVII’), Bb major (‘bVI’), F major (‘III’), G minor (‘iv’)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Karma Police: Am (‘i’), G (‘bVII’), D (‘IV’), Em (‘v’)
2. Muse – Hysteria: Bm (‘i’), A (‘bVII’), E (‘IV’), G (‘bIII’)
3. Smashing Pumpkins – 1979: G#m (‘i’), F# (‘bVII’), B (‘IV’), D#m (‘vi’)

These songs feature similar non-diatonic chord progressions with borrowed chords, creating their unique sense of tension and resolution. Note that the roman numerals are labeled according to the relative minor key.

Musical Analysis

The verse chord progression emphasizes the tonic chord, D minor, and the three major chords borrowed from the parallel major key, D major. This creates a sense of contrast between the minor and major chords. The progression moves from D minor to C major, then to Bb major, which is a common movement in minor key progressions. The F major chord adds a bright resolution before returning to D minor. The G minor chord at the end of the verse serves as a gateway to the chorus.

The chorus centers around a ii – IV – I – V progression in the key of F major, which uses G minor, Bb major, F major, and C major chords. This is a classic progression in many popular songs, providing a sense of resolution and forward motion.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The style of “Right Where It Belongs” incorporates elements from alternative rock, electronic, and industrial genres, creating a dark and introspective mood. The use of electronic soundscapes and the haunting vocal delivery contribute to the song’s overall atmosphere.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Right Where It Belongs by Nine Inch Nails are:

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