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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from their iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973). The listed chords form the harmonic basis of the chorus section. The harmony is characterized by diatonic major seventh chords, interspersed with a few borrowed chords. The chorus features a fluctuating major/minor tonality, giving the song an emotional and contemplative feel.

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.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a popular and iconic song that showcases Jeff Buckley’s unique vocal talent and emotional delivery. The song is in the key of C major and features a simple yet effective chord progression. The song’s memorable melody is accompanied by guitar, which uses arpeggiated fingerpicking. This adds to its musical depth and also creates dynamic rhythmic interest. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, and this, along with the powerful lyrics, contributes to the overall emotional impact of the piece.

“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.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a well-known folk song that has been adapted into a blues ballad with a haunting quality. The verse chord progression features a combination of minor and major chords that contribute to its emotional intensity, while also creating a sense of tension and resolution.

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