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“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that features an uncommon chord progression with some unique harmonic choices. The Verse 2 progression has a strong sense of tonal ambiguity and the chords often fluctuate between major and minor tonalities. This contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the song, which is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music.

The chord progression in “Breathe” by Pink Floyd is relatively simple, mostly alternating between two chords – Em and A7. However, this simplicity is quite effective in creating a relaxed, dreamy feel which is consistent with the overall theme of the song. This is a characteristic feature of Pink Floyd’s music, using simple chords and progressions to create a powerful emotional impact.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

“Paint It, Black” is in E minor key, with verse 3 having an exciting harmonic progression: Em – B – Em – B – Em – D – G – D – Em – Em – D – G – D – A – B. The chord progression suggests that the Rolling Stones utilise borrowed chords to impose an air of ambiguity that reflects the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, this song is a blend of rock and raga rock style and exemplifies the Stones’ 1960s exploration into psychedelia and Eastern musical styles.

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a subtly complicated piece of music. At first glance, the chord progression may seem simple, but it actually incorporates a number of rich musical techniques that give the song its iconic depth and emotional resonance. The song follows a simple yet powerful chord progression and relies heavily on the interplay between the root C major chord, the G6, and the Am minor. There is a recurring theme of returning to the G6, which creates tension and suggests feelings of melancholy or introspection.

Pink Floyd – Time – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression with full chord names and their Roman numerals:
“`
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
C major 7 (‘VI7’),
B minor 7 (‘v7’),
F major 7 (‘♭II7’),
G major (‘III’),
D7#9 (‘♭V7#9’),
D7b9 (‘♭V7♭9’),
B minor (‘v’)
“`

Borrowed Chord:
“`
Fmaj7 (‘♭II7’)
— Borrowed from the E Phrygian mode
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
“`
A minor (‘i’),
G minor (‘♭III’),
F major 7 (‘VI7’),
F minor/M7 (‘vi7’),
A minor (‘i’)
“`

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”:
“`
E minor (‘i’),
D major (‘VII’),
G major (‘III’),
A major (‘IV’)
“`

3. Genesis – “Firth of Fifth”:
“`
A minor (‘i’),
G major (‘VII’),
F major (‘VI’),
E minor (‘v’)
“`

Musical Analysis

This chord progression starts with a pattern of alternating between the Em7 and A chords, creating a sense of uncertainty and suspense. It then moves into the Cmaj7, which functions as a pivot to the v7 chord (Bm7). Following this, the Fmaj7 (borrowed from E Phrygian mode) creates a sense of tension before leading to the G major chord, providing resolution. The progression ends with two altered dominant chords, D7#9 and D7b9, further increasing the tension before ultimately resolving to B minor.

Overall Analysis

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

Style Analysis

“Time” is a prime example of Pink Floyd’s progressive rock style. The song features complex harmonies, explorations of non-diatonic chords, and unconventional chord progressions. The song also showcases the band’s penchant for using meaningful lyrics and storytelling, as well as blending rock and psychedelic elements with lush orchestration.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Time by Pink Floyd are:

Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Bm