Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from the concept album “The Wall.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric sound created through a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, haunting vocals, and a variety of effects. The chord progression of Verse 3 is interesting as it features a mix of diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extensions such as the add9 chords that contribute to the song’s unique sound.

The chord progression from verse 3 of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is in the key of C major and shows a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. The progression creates a sense of smooth journey and has a certain melancholic yet uplifting character.

This particular section is mostly based in the key of F major and highlights Freddie Mercury’s love for moving from the classical I-ii-V progression to the jazz-inspired I-IV-ii-V, often followed by a jazzy II-V-I. In this part of the song, you will find some interesting use of borrowed chords and leading tones, contributing to the chromaticism that enriches the progression.

**

“Here Comes the Sun” written by The Beatles is a seminal work from the Beatles’ output in pop music. The piece is composed in a modified strophic form with a circular pattern augmented with a repetitive and distinct bridge that modulates in key. The use of major chords and open voicings gives the song a sunny and positive feel, hence its title. It’s also notable for its mixed use of diatonic and borrowed chords, contributing to its unique sound.

**

“You And Whose Army?” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song featuring an interesting chord progression in the bridge. The chord progression is characterized by its dynamic movement and integration of non-diatonic chords. The progression is in the key of C# minor, and it displays unique qualities that allow it to stand out from traditional chord progressions. The combination of borrowed chords and voice leading creates a sense of tension and excitement, which contributes to the song’s overall atmosphere.

Pink Floyd – Hey You – Bridge

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

C, D, G, D, C, C, D, G, D, C, C, D, G, D, C, C, D, Emadd9

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – D Major (V/IV) – G Major (IV) – D Major (V/IV) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – D Major (V/IV) – G Major (IV) – D Major (V/IV) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – D Major (V/IV) – G Major (IV) – D Major (V/IV) – C Major (I) – C Major (I) – D Major (V/IV) – E minor add9 (iii)

“`Borrowed Chord: D Major (V/IV)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. David Bowie – “Heroes”:
D Major (I) – G Major (IV) – C Major (VII) – G Major (IV) – D Major (I)

2. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
C Major (I) – G Major (IV) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V)

3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
E minor7 (i) – G Major (III) – Dsus4 (VII) – Asus4 (iv)

These songs share similarities with the Hey You bridge chord progression in terms of their use of simple chord progressions that create a sense of tension and release, and the use of borrowed chords.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with the tonic chord, C Major, followed by the borrowed D Major chord, which functions as the secondary dominant of the G Major chord (IV). The progression then moves to G Major, creating a sense of resolution. The D Major chord appears again, before moving back to the tonic, C Major. This pattern repeats three more times before resolving to the E minor add9 chord, adding a subtle touch of tension at the end of the progression.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the bridge of “Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a relatively simple progression that revolves around the C Major and G Major chords, with brief appearances of D Major and E minor add9 chords. The piece showcases Pink Floyd’s signature progressive rock style, with steady changes between chords and a sense of tension and release.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s progressive rock style, with its use of borrowed chords and steady, rhythmic changes between chords. The simplicity of the progression allows the listener to focus on the melodic and harmonic elements of the song. The progression also exhibits a sense of tension and release, a common feature of Pink Floyd’s music.

Chords in the Bridge section of Hey You by Pink Floyd are:

C, D, G, D, C, C, D, G, D, C, C, D, G, D, C, C, D, Emadd9