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“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a prog-rock song featured on their iconic album, “The Wall.” Its chord progression showcases a unique blend of chords that creates a sense of yearning and emotional intensity. The use of borrowed chords from parallel keys enhances the song’s emotive quality, and the overall structure shows a level of harmonic sophistication typical of Pink Floyd’s work.

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 bridge of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple two-chord progression. However, this simplicity allows space for an interesting interplay between melody and harmony while still evoking strong emotions. Despite being simple, the progression still manages to create a sense of tension and resolution.

“Girl” by The Beatles is a classic example of their use of chromatic harmony and modal interchange. The chord progression shows complexity in both its chord choices and structure, a distinguishing feature in much of their music. By closely examining this piece, we can better understand The Beatles’ harmonic technique where they blend the techniques of classical music (like chromaticism and harmonic diversity) with pop songwriting.

The chord progression appears to be in the key of Bb Major, and showcases various diatonic chords along with a few borrowed chords. This progression is characterized by a blend of smooth and rich harmony, primarily due to the use of 7th chords and suspensions. The introduction of the dominant B7 chord adds interest, making the progression more unpredictable and complex.

Pink Floyd – Hey You – Bridge

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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