Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb – Chorus
Comfortably Numb < All Analyses
Chord Progression
D, A, D, A, G/B, C, G, G/B, C, G, D, A, D, A, G/B, C, G, G/B, C, G, Asus4, A, G/B, Cadd9, G, D
Chord Progression Analysis
D Major (I), A Major (V), D Major (I), A Major (V), G/B (IV6), C Major (bVII), G Major (IV), G/B (IV6), C Major (bVII), G Major (IV), D Major (I), A Major (V), D Major (I), A Major (V), G/B (IV6), C Major (bVII), G Major (IV), G/B (IV6), C Major (bVII), G Major (IV), A sus4 (V sus4), A Major (V), G/B (IV6), Cadd9 (bVII add9), G Major (IV), D Major (I)
`Borrowed Chords: bVII (C Major)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord progression: C Major (I), G Major (V), A minor (vi), F Major (IV), C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), C Major (I)
2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord progression: E minor7 (vi7), G Major (I), D sus4 (IV sus4), A7 sus4 (V7 sus4), E minor7 (vi7), G Major (I), D sus4 (IV sus4), A7 sus4 (V7 sus4)
3. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Chord progression: A minor (i), A minor/F# (i7), A minor/F (i6), E minor (iv), D Major (VII), G Major (VI), C Major (III), B Major (II), A minor (i)
Musical Analysis
The chorus predominantly features a repetition of the I-V progression between D Major and A Major, which provides a strong foundation for the overall harmonic structure. The borrowed chord from the parallel minor, bVII (C Major), is introduced alongside the IV (G Major) and IV6 (G/B) chords, adding contrast and a subtle touch of unease to the soothing progression. The use of the A sus4 transitioning into the A Major chord further enhances the harmonic interest.
Overall Analysis
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.”
Style Analysis
“Comfortably Numb” seamlessly fuses rock with progressive elements, a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s music. The chord progression is relatively simple, yet the inclusion of the borrowed chord and suspended chord adds depth and complexity. David Gilmour’s distinctive guitar work and solos elevate the track, giving it an ethereal and timeless quality.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb – Chorus?
D, A, D, A, G/B, C, G, G/B, C, G, D, A, D, A, G/B, C, G, G/B, C, G, Asus4, A, G/B, Cadd9, G, D
