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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 in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.

“Hey Joe” is a famous song by Jimi Hendrix, which features a simple yet very effective chord progression throughout its verses. It has a five-chord progression, which is C, G, D, A, and E. This progression creates a strong and recognizable flow, thus contributing to the song’s iconic status.

The chord progression in MGMT’s “Congratulations” contains a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, which provide a combination of stability and tension throughout the progression. The harmonic rhythm is slow, and the progression is mostly driven by bass line movement and voice leading. The mixture of borrowed chords, inversions, and suspended chords contributes to the overall unique character of the piece.

The given chord progression is from the verse of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” a song from their 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The progression consists of alternating Em and A7 chords throughout the entire verse. This creates a sense of movement and tension between the chords while also being relatively simple and repetitive. The harmonic back-and-forth between these two chords gives the song a dreamy and immersive quality that is a signature sound of Pink Floyd’s style.

Nine Inch Nails – Right Where It Belongs – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I), D Major (VI), C Major (V), Bb Major (IV), F Major (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”: A minor (i), G Major (VII), D Major (IV), F Major (VI), A minor (i), G Major (VII), D Major (IV), F Major (VI)
2. The Beatles – “Yesterday”: F Major (I), E minor (vi/bIII), A Major (IV/V), D minor (vi), Bb Major (IV), C Major (V), F Major (I)

Both of these examples feature unconventional chord progressions and a mixture of major and minor chords in a non-standard order, evoking a similar sense of ambiguity and melancholy.

Musical Analysis

The verse features a IV-I-VI-V progression in F major, which lends a sense of continuous movement without fully resolving. This progression is unusual as it starts on the IV chord instead of the typical I or V chord and ends on the V. This gives it a floating and unresolved feeling, which complements the introspective lyrics and instrumentation. The repeated sequence of the four-chord loop creates a hypnotic effect, feeling both comfortable and slightly unsettling at the same time. The chorus, on the other hand, features a more familiar progression of vi-IV-I-V in F major, giving a sense of resolution to the listener before returning to the ambiguous verse progression.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Right Where It Belongs” is characteristic of Nine Inch Nails with its electronic elements, sparse instrumentation, and dark themes. The chords move between major chords, but their progression and emphasis on non-resolving chords create a sense of unease. The song can be classified as alternative rock, industrial rock, or electronic.

Chords in the Verse 2 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