Grunge
A subgenre of alternative rock from Seattle in the mid-1980s. Heavy distortion, power chords, drop-D tuning, angsty lyrics.
Characteristic: Gritty
The Why
Power chords (no 3rds) create harmony that is neither major nor minor. Verses often stay on one drone, creating a hypnotic, brooding quality. The chorus shifts to IV or bVII for release. This is the Seattle sound: angry, raw, emotionally direct.
Harmonic Analysis
Grunge harmony is characterized by power chords (root + fifth, no third) creating ambiguous tonality — neither major nor minor. Drop-D tuning (D–A–D–G–B–E) is standard. Verses often stay on a single chord (hypnotic drone) while choruses shift to IV or bVII. Vocal melodies use minor pentatonic scale, bent and slurred for emotional effect. Kurt Cobain frequently used Phrygian for its dark quality.