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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in “Breathe” by Pink Floyd is relatively simple, mostly alternating between two chords – Em and A7. However, this simplicity is quite effective in creating a relaxed, dreamy feel which is consistent with the overall theme of the song. This is a characteristic feature of Pink Floyd’s music, using simple chords and progressions to create a powerful emotional impact.

The chorus of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is a perfect example of their signature sound, combining both rock and progressive elements. The harmonic structure is simple yet effective, providing a sense of resolution and stability throughout the progression. This, combined with the smooth melodic lines, gives listeners a feeling of being “comfortably numb.”

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

The progression is in the key of C major. The use of the Bb major is known as modal interchange, where a chord that is not in the key is borrowed from a parallel key, which in this case is C minor. This contributes an interesting tone color to the overall sound. The chord progression does consist a use of slash chords (C/B, C/G) which adds a more complex bassline creating a more harmonically active feeling, and yielding more tension and release.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

Pink Floyd – Breathe – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (i) – A7 (IV7)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”
Chord progression: Em9 (i9) – A7 (IV7)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord progression: Am (i) – G (bVII) – Am (i) – G (bVII)
3. Led Zeppelin – “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
Chord progression: Am (i) – C (III) – G (bVII) – Am (i) – C (III)

These examples follow a similar alternation between a minor chord (usually the tonic) and another chord, either borrowed from the parallel major (as in “Riders on the Storm”) or invoking a sense of tension and resolution (as in “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”).

Musical Analysis

The chord progression consists of two chords: Em, which is the tonic or home chord, and A7, which is the dominant seventh chord built on the fourth scale degree in the key of E minor. The A7 chord is borrowed from the parallel major key (E major), which is why it is considered a borrowed chord in the progression. The alternation between these two chords creates a sense of movement throughout the entire verse. The dominant seventh chord (A7) brings tension and instability in the progression, making the listener eager to hear the resolution to the tonic chord (Em).

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is from the verse of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” a song from their 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The progression consists of alternating Em and A7 chords throughout the entire verse. This creates a sense of movement and tension between the chords while also being relatively simple and repetitive. The harmonic back-and-forth between these two chords gives the song a dreamy and immersive quality that is a signature sound of Pink Floyd’s style.

Style Analysis

Pink Floyd’s music often delves into the realms of space rock, progressive rock, and psychedelic rock. The alternating Em and A7 chords in the “Breathe” verse serve as a perfect example of Pink Floyd’s ability to create an ethereal, otherworldly, and hypnotic atmosphere within their music. The simplicity and repetitiveness of the chord progression, combined with Pink Floyd’s trademark use of effects and atmospheric sounds, give “Breathe” its unique sonic character.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Breathe by Pink Floyd are:

Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7