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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.

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a repetitive, hypnotic song that relies on a dark tonality and electronic elements to create its unique sound. This is achieved with the use of only two chords: Cm7 and F. Notably, a distinctive feature of this song is the lack of chordal diversity which aids in creating a minimal, industrial vibe.

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“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a unique and somewhat complex chord progression, particularly in the second verse. The song can be viewed as being in A minor, with various borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords. The chord progression reflects Radiohead’s experimental and innovative approach to harmony and songwriting.

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song notable for its dreamy, lo-fi sound and use of unconventional chord progressions. Musically, the song is written in the key of F major, but creatively uses chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to establish a unique harmony. The song also uses dynamic contrast to create a dreamlike atmosphere, increasing the song’s overall psychedelic effect.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

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