Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 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.

“Just The Two Of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. is a soulful song with a distinct R&B and smooth jazz style. The song is in the key of E minor during the verses, but frequently borrows chords from the parallel major, E major, delivering a rich harmony that is both pleasing and surprising to the ear.

**

“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles is a pure example of their early rock-and-roll style influenced by blues. It uses common chord progressions in rock and blues, such as the I-IV-V progression and the use of dominant 7th chords. The song is set in C major, and makes repeated use of the I-IV (C-F) progression. A significant feature in the song is the use of the dominant 7th chords (C7 and F7), which adds some bluesy quality to the song and also serves as a transition chord to the next chord in the progression.

**

The given chord progression is found in Verse 2 of Tyler, The Creator’s song “Are We Still Friends.” The song is in the key of E major, and the progression features a mix of major, minor, and dominant seventh chords. The distinctive chromatic movement and the use of borrowed chords make for a memorable and unique progression. The combination of these elements results in a lush and emotionally charged progression which contributes greatly to the overall feel of the song.

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Bsus2, Bm, A, G, Em, Bm, Bsus2, Bm, A, G, Em, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

| Bsus2 (IVsus2) | Bm (iv) | A (‘V) | G (IV) |
| Em (ii) | Bm (iv) | Bsus2 (IVsus2) | Bm (iv) |
| A (‘V) | G (IV) | Em (ii) | Bm (iv) |

The chord progression features both borrowed chords and substitutions. Specifically, Bsus2 (the suspended chord) is an embellishment of the Bm which is borrowed from the parallel key (D minor). The borrowed chords are as follows:

“`
Bm (iv)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”: [‘C (I)’, ‘G (V)’, ‘Am (vi)’, ‘F (IV)’, ‘C (I)’, ‘G (V)’, ‘F (IV)’, ‘C (I)’]
2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”: [‘Am (i)’, ‘Em (v)’, ‘G (III)’, ‘Am (i)’, ‘F (VI)’, ‘G (VII)’, ‘Am (i)’, ‘Em (v)’]

While these chord progressions are not exactly the same, they share similarities in terms of blending major and minor chords to create a sense of melancholy, as seen in “Comfortably Numb”.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with Bsus2, which then resolves down to the Bm chord. This creates an initial sense of tension and release, effectively introducing the melancholy tone of the verse. Then, the progression moves to A, the dominant chord. This progression from Bm to A helps connect the listener to the home key, D major.

Following this, there is a change from the major tonality to a more minor feel with the progression of G to Em. This shift contributes to the melancholic atmosphere, emphasizing a feeling of longing or nostalgia. The progression then moves back to Bm, creating a loop that maintains the overall tone of the song while also giving it a sense of continuity and structure.

Overall Analysis

“Comfortably Numb” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, The Wall. It is written in the key of D major and has a slow, dreamy tempo. The second verse of the song features a chord progression that is a blend of major and minor chords, giving the song a sense of melancholy mixed with a calming atmosphere. It also deviates from the typical pop/rock chord progressions, signifying Pink Floyd’s distinct sound and innovative use of harmony.

Style Analysis

Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is heavily influenced by progressive rock and concept album styles, which are marked by experimental and innovative uses of harmony, structure, and instrumentation. The unique chord progression in the second verse of the song, characterized by its blend of major and minor chords and the inclusion of the borrowed Bm chord, is an example of Pink Floyd’s unique approach to harmony, which sets them apart from other artists.

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

Bsus2, Bm, A, G, Em, Bm, Bsus2, Bm, A, G, Em, Bm