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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 written in C minor key, and the overall structure of the song consists of a verse, pre-chorus, and a chorus. The progression is simple yet effective in creating a dark and moody atmosphere, consistent with the industrial rock genre that characterizes Nine Inch Nails’ music.

Pre-Chorus 1 –

“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 the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” is a complex and somewhat unconventional progression. It primarily features chords from the E natural minor scale, with some borrowed chords from the parallel E major scale. The progression creates an atmospheric and moody soundscape that is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music, especially in their album “Wish You Were Here.” It also displays a certain level of sophistication in the harmony which underscores Pink Floyd’s musical depth.

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