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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression from verse 3 of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is in the key of C major and shows a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. The progression creates a sense of smooth journey and has a certain melancholic yet uplifting character.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, “The Wall.” It is known for its haunting, ethereal quality, achieved through the use of predominantly minor chords, lush harmonies, and a slow, atmospheric tempo. The song’s lyrics and melancholic mood reflect feelings of loss and desolation.

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

“Hallelujah” is a song by singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley and is a cover of a song originally written by Leonard Cohen. The song is in the key of C major and features a moderate tempo with a 6/8 time signature. This particular chord progression, taken from the second verse, consists mainly of diatonic chords found within the key, but also includes a few borrowed chords and a secondary dominant, giving the song a sense of tension and release.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.

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