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The second guitar solo in “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd is based on a simple five-chord progression, spanning two diatonic tonalities (i.e., B minor and G major). This progression heavily relies on the B Aeolian mode (or natural minor scale) and showcases the band’s affinity for modal interchange and progressive rock elements.

The Verse of “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd showcases a unique and non-diatonic chord progression that focuses on D mixolydian mode with added sus2 chords and an augmented chord. It deviates from traditional harmony patterns and creates a spacious, floating feel. The chords occur in a consistent pattern and are mostly slash chords with the constant presence of the D note in the bass, which further strengthens the D tonality.

“Save Me” by Queen is in the key of G Major and it features a number of modulations to closely related keys. It resonates a distinct rock ballad style incorporating unique variations of common chord progressions from rock and pop genres. The progression’s utilization of inverted chords also brings depth and character to the melody.

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“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.

Verse 2

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb – Verse 2

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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