Pink Floyd – Breathe – Chorus 1
Breathe < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9
Chord Progression Analysis
C Major 7 (I) – B Minor 7 (ii♭) – F Major 7 (IV♭) – G Major (V) – D7♯9 (V7/ii) – D7♭9 (V7♭9/ii)
Borrowed Chords:
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B Minor 7 (ii♭)
F Major 7 (IV♭)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Steely Dan – “Peg”
Chorus Chord Progression:
D Major 7 (I) – Db7♯9 (V7♯9/V) – Cmaj7 (IV♭) – Bm7 (iii) – Em7 (vi) – A13 (V9)
2. The Beatles – “Something”
Bridge Chord Progression:
E♭maj7 (I♭) – A♭maj7 (IV) – B♭7 (V) – E♭maj7 (I♭) – Gm7 (iii♭) – E♭maj7 (I♭) – A♭maj7 (IV) – B♭7 (V)
These examples contain some similar elements, including the use of major and minor seventh chords and unexpected harmonic turns, which are also found in the chorus of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe.”
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with the tonic Cmaj7, providing a stable and established tonal center. The following Bm7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor, and introduces chromaticism and tension. The Fmaj7 is another borrowed chord from C minor, providing a temporary sense of resolution with its smooth and calm character.
The G major chord acts as the dominant V in the key of C major, pointing to the eventual resolution, but the progression takes an unexpected turn with the D7♯9. This D7♯9 is an altered dominant chord resolving to the Bm7, functioning as the secondary dominant (V7/ii). The D7♭9 then replaces the previously mentioned D7♯9, which is another altered dominant chord, creating more dissonance while maintaining the same function.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in the chorus of “Breathe” by Pink Floyd is a non-diatonic progression, meaning it does not strictly follow a specific key. The progression features some borrowed chords and a dominant seventh alteration. The style is influenced by blues and jazz, with a relaxed and reflective mood.
Chorus 1
Style Analysis
“Breathe” showcases Pink Floyd’s blending of rock, blues, and jazz elements in a psychedelic context. The use of major and minor seventh chords, dominant alterations, and borrowed chords create a lush and dreamy atmosphere that is characteristic of their music. The harmonic structure is unique and contains unexpected twists, adding to the depth and expressiveness of their compositions.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Breathe – Chorus 1?
Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9
