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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd features a combination of diatonic chords and some extensions to create a lush, ethereal sound. The progression mainly circulates around the key of E minor, with added color tones and an emotional center created by the interplay of chords such as the major 7th and the addition of the 9th degree to certain chords.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a prog-rock song featured on their iconic album, “The Wall.” Its chord progression showcases a unique blend of chords that creates a sense of yearning and emotional intensity. The use of borrowed chords from parallel keys enhances the song’s emotive quality, and the overall structure shows a level of harmonic sophistication typical of Pink Floyd’s work.

“Bullet with Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins can be categorized as alternative rock. The chord progression showcases the grunge influence, with an emphasis on power chords and the use of suspended second chords which are often used to create ambiguity or tension.

“Hurt”, written by Nine Inch Nails, exudes melancholy and despair through a slow progression that weaves intricate melodies between the chords. The tonality is primarily in B minor, but introduces D, E, A, and G chords throughout, indicating some mode mixture or borrowed chord use.

The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

Pink Floyd – Welcome To The Machine – Outro

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Chord Progression

Em

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression in the outro is very simple, consisting of only one chord:
Em (‘i’)

Since there is only one chord in this progression, there are no borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

While single-chord songs are not very common, here are some examples of other songs that feature a repeating single chord throughout:

1. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows”
Chord progression: C Major (‘I’)

2. The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”
Chord progression: D Major / D5 (‘I’)

3. Neil Young – “Dead Man Theme”
Chord progression: Dm (‘i’)

4. Brian Eno – “1/1” (from “Ambient 1: Music for Airports”)
Chord progression: F#m (‘i’)

Please note that these songs may not have the same progression throughout the entire piece but showcase prominent sections with a single chord as their basis.

Musical Analysis

The outro’s single-chord repetition establishes a hypnotic, drone-like quality, which is enhanced by various ambient soundscapes and textures. This evokes a sense of being lost or trapped in the machine, with no resolution or escape. The use of a minor chord (Em) gives a melancholic and unsettling feel, further adding to the oppressive atmosphere of the track.

Overall Analysis

“Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece that features a rather minimalistic chord progression, with only one chord during the outro. The piece is characterized by its lush soundscape, synthesizer layering, and the use of sound effects to create an atmosphere of a mechanized world.

Style Analysis

As a progressive rock band, Pink Floyd is known for their experimental and innovative approach to music making, blending various styles and genres. “Welcome to the Machine” showcases their affinity for electronic music, with the extensive use of synthesizers and sound manipulation. The minimalistic chord progression reflects their willingness to step away from the conventional rock and pop templates, allowing them to create something more atmospheric and evocative.

Chords in the Outro section of Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd are:

Em