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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.

The chorus of “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is built around a progression that oscillates between a single major chord, F, and a single minor seventh chord, Cm7. This is quite minimalistic. Major chords usually have a happy, positive feel, while minor chords induce a somewhat sad, introspective mood. The use of C minor 7th gives a particular color to the progression: it’s a minor chord with an added minor seventh, which means it’s a bit less stable than a regular minor chord.

“Comfortably Numb” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, The Wall. It is written in the key of D major and has a slow, dreamy tempo. The second verse of the song features a chord progression that is a blend of major and minor chords, giving the song a sense of melancholy mixed with a calming atmosphere. It also deviates from the typical pop/rock chord progressions, signifying Pink Floyd’s distinct sound and innovative use of harmony.

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique and colorful chord progression, blending major and minor tonalities in a way that creates tension and a sense of longing. The verse consists of a 12-chord progression that builds upon the foundation of the major key of C, even though it starts with the IV chord (F), which contributes to the song’s unusual character. The progression includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor and elements specific to Hendrix’s own style, making it a remarkable piece in terms of its harmonic complexity and eclecticism.

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is an alternative rock song with a sense of melancholy in the verse and a catchy, anthemic chorus. The verse chords, which you provided, create a strong sense of movement and harmonic interest by using borrowed chords and a combination of diatonic and chromatic chord progressions.

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