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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of the Pink Floyd song “Breathe” features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords and creates a dreamy, spaced-out mood. The combination of major and minor seventh chords, as well as dominant 7th chords with altered 9ths, contributes to this atmospheric quality.

“Another Brick In The Wall Part 2” by Pink Floyd features a simple, repetitive chord progression in the chorus. The chords are diatonic, meaning they all belong to the key of F Major, and the progression creates a sense of resolution and tension through the use of alternating chords. The style of the song is a mix of progressive rock and disco, with some elements of funk.

“A Star Is Born – Shallow” by Misc Soundtrack uses common chords found in pop music and combines them in a fresh way. The progression makes use of diatonic chords and even includes a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. It showcases a feasible balance of tension and resolution, often transitioning through a variety of chord inversions to add color and depth to the harmonies. The song moves around the circle of fifths, which allows for smooth transitions between keys.

“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.

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a unique and stylistic piece, displaying a blend of various genres and influences. The verse 2 chord progression is quite simple, but the harmonic choices create tension and provide a sense of movement throughout the progression. Combining the elements of rock, folk, and alternative music, this chord progression is both intriguing and musically satisfying.

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