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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a relatively simple chord structure, which allows the song to establish a pervasive atmosphere and direct the listener’s focus on the lyrics and melodies. This piece is in the key of C minor, and the chord progression is cyclical in nature, with Verse 2 consisting of the repetition of Cm7 chord throughout.

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The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a well-known song that features a fairly simple chord progression in its bridge. The progression is memorable for its fusion of diatonic and chromatic elements, creating a sense of tension and interest.

“In My Head” by Queens of the Stone Age shows a variety of complex chord progressions that are often seen in alternative rock and other sub-genres of rock music. The chord progressions seem to use a combination of modal and chromatic harmony which gives it an edgy and intriguing sound quality.

Closer

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All Analyses by Song

Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor, helped define a new era of industrial rock with this song. The minimalistic use of repetitive chord sequences and reliance on electronic sounds give the song a mechanical, relentless quality, a hallmark of the industrial genre.

Melodically, Reznor often uses pentatonic and bluesy inflections, which lend the song some of its dark, unsettling character.

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

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.