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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is an iconic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song’s verse chord progression evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, featuring a combination of major and minor chords, as well as borrowed chords and inversions that create a unique and emotional soundscape.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from the concept album “The Wall.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric sound created through a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, haunting vocals, and a variety of effects. The chord progression of Verse 3 is interesting as it features a mix of diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extensions such as the add9 chords that contribute to the song’s unique sound.

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (‘I’), D Major/F# (‘V/V’), A minor/E (‘vi’), G Major (‘V’), D Major/F# (‘V/V’), C Major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), G Major (‘V’)

Borrowed Chord:
`D Major/F# (‘V/V’)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Progression: Am (‘vi’), G (‘V’), Am/G (‘vi/V’), Am/F# (‘vi/♯IV’), Am/F (‘vi/IV’), Am/E (‘vi’), D (‘II’), E (‘III’)

2. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway To Heaven”
Progression: Am (‘vi’), G (‘V’), F (‘IV’), Am (‘vi’), G (‘V’), F (‘IV’), C (‘I’), D (‘II’)

Note that these progressions share some similarities but are not identical to the chord progression in “Wish You Were Here.” The main aspect they have in common is the usage of secondary dominants or borrowed chords, and the general classic rock aesthetic.

Musical Analysis

The song is in the key of C Major. The progression begins with the tonic chord, C Major (‘I’), providing a sense of stability. It then moves to D Major/F# (‘V/V’), which is a secondary dominant chord that borrows from the parallel key (C Lydian or G Major, depending on interpretation). This borrowed chord sets up an expectation for the resolution to the G Major chord (the V of C Major), however, the progression instead moves to A minor/E (‘vi’)—a deceptive resolution—creating a sense of longing in the music. Finally, the G Major (‘V’) chord appears and resolves back to the C Major (‘I’) chord, completing the progression.

The presence of the slash chords (D/F# and Am/E) adds a smoothness in the bass line movement and increases harmonic interest, while maintaining an overall sense of consonance.

Overall Analysis

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is a classic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song features an introspective and expressive melody with a predominantly acoustic instrumentation. The chord progression for Verse 2 demonstrates a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with borrowed chords from parallel modes, which adds to the emotional depth of the piece.

Style Analysis

Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is noted for its introspective lyrics and mellow, almost melancholic style. This is creatively reflected in the chord progression, which combines conventional diatonic chords with the secondary dominant D Major/F# to add a level of sophistication and depth. The combination of acoustic guitar and the chord progression creates an intimate and emotional atmosphere, in line with the reflective nature of the lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd are:

C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G