Music Theory Alchemy

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 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.

“In My Head” by Queens of the Stone Age shows a variety of complex chord progressions that are often seen in alternative rock and other sub-genres of rock music. The chord progressions seem to use a combination of modal and chromatic harmony which gives it an edgy and intriguing sound quality.

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles in which the song varies in key and progressive elements, with fascinating uses of borrowed chords from parallel modes and chromatic bass motion. The melody resides predominantly within a pentatonic framework, frequently rotating around subversions. The Bridge section beautifully showcases Beatles’ experimentation with descending chord progression built around chromatic movement.

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