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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album “The Wall.” It is a progressive rock piece with acoustic guitar and vocal harmony that creates a haunting and atmospheric sound. The chord progression in Verse 2 demonstrates the use of non-diatonic chords, pedal tones, and borrowed chords, giving it a sense of tension and release. This unique combination of chords contributes to the overall distinctive mood of the song.

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.”

“All My Loving” by the Beatles is a great example of their early ’60s pop style. This song’s verse chord progression is in the key of D Major with a mix of minor chords and 7th chords that add to the emotional intensity of the song. The composition blends pop simplicity with complex harmony, encapsulating the Beatles’ innovative songwriting.

The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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Pink Floyd – Goodbye Blue Sky – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am, B/A, Am, A7, D, A, D, Bm, D, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

A minor (i) – B major/A (VI/iv) – A minor (i) – A dominant 7th (V7) – D major (IV) – A major (I) – D major (IV) – B minor (ii) – D major (IV) – B minor (ii)

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VI/iv = borrowed chord from the parallel minor of the relative major (A major)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles:
A minor (i) – A major (I) – G major (VII) – E minor (v) – D major (IV) – A major (I) – C# minor (iii) – F# minor (vi)

2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (intro section):
A minor (i) – G sharp diminished 7th (vii°7) – C major (III) – D major (IV) – F major (VI) – A minor (i) – G major (VII) – A minor (i)

While these progressions by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin are not exact matches to “Goodbye Blue Sky,” they share similar harmonic devices and modulations that create a similar sense of movement and emotion.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with A minor, establishing the key as A minor. The second chord, B major/A, is a borrowed chord (VI/iv) from the parallel minor of the relative major (A major) that creates tension. The progression then returns to A minor before moving to A dominant 7th, functioning as a secondary dominant chord leading to D major, which is a common modulation from A minor to D major (IV).

The progression then moves to A major (I) before repeating D major (IV) and then going to B minor (ii), a diatonic chord in the key of A major. This suggests a shift to the relative major key of A major. Finally, the progression alternates between D major (IV) and B minor (ii) before continuing with the rest of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd is a beautifully haunting piece with a chord progression that demonstrates their innovative use of borrowed chords and modulation to explore various tonal centers. The song is generally in the key of A minor.

Style Analysis

The chord progression used in “Goodbye Blue Sky” is an example of Pink Floyd’s innovative style when it comes to harmony and modulation. The borrowed chord and the modulation from A minor to D major and then to the relative major key (A major) makes the progression more complex and brings emotional depth to the song. This helps to create the overall haunting atmosphere of the piece.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd are:

Am, B/A, Am, A7, D, A, D, Bm, D, Bm