Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Verse 1
Right Where It Belongs < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Verse 1?
D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, D, C, Bb, F, Gm
