Pink Floyd – Us And Them – Verse
Us And Them < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Dsus2, Esus2/D, Faug/D, G/D, Dsus2, Esus2/D, Faug/D, G/D
Chord Progression Analysis
Here are the full chord names and their Roman numerals:
Dadd9 (I) – Esus2/D (‘II’) – D+6 (I+6) – G/D (IV) – Dadd9 (I) – Esus2/D (‘II’) – D+6 (I+6) – G/D (IV)
Similar Chord Progressions
It’s challenging to find chord progressions that are very similar to “Us and Them” because of its uniqueness. However, here is an example of a slightly similar chord progression, which also makes use of non-diatonic chords and slash chords:
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears:
Dsus2 (I) – G/D (IV) – A7sus4 (V7sus4) – G/D (IV) – Dsus2 (I)
In this progression, we can observe a focus on extended and suspended chords that provide a floating feel like the one found in “Us and Them.” While the progressions aren’t exactly the same, they share a common approach to creating a lush harmonic landscape.
Musical Analysis
The chords in the progression are predominantly from D Mixolydian mode, which is the fifth mode of G Major. The main deviation from the D Mixolydian mode is the Esus2/D chord, making it a borrowed chord. The chord progression starts with the Dadd9, a sus2 chord, establishing the tonality in D. It then moves to Esus2/D, a non-diatonic chord, which adds an unexpected touch to the progression. Following this, we have the Faug/D (D+6) chord, an augmented chord that creates tension that resolves when it moves to G/D, a standard IV chord in D Mixolydian mode.
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Borrowed Chords: Esus2/D
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Overall Analysis
The Verse of “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd showcases a unique and non-diatonic chord progression that focuses on D mixolydian mode with added sus2 chords and an augmented chord. It deviates from traditional harmony patterns and creates a spacious, floating feel. The chords occur in a consistent pattern and are mostly slash chords with the constant presence of the D note in the bass, which further strengthens the D tonality.
Style Analysis
The chord progression in “Us and Them” exhibits Pink Floyd’s signature style, often characterized by their use of non-diatonic and extended chords, which create a sense of spaciousness and ethereal soundscapes. The use of the D note in the bass throughout the progression adds a pedal point that gives the progression a sense of stability, despite the non-diatonic chords and the tension created by the augmented chord. The sus2 chords further contribute to the atmospheric quality of the music.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Us And Them – Verse?
Dsus2, Esus2/D, Faug/D, G/D, Dsus2, Esus2/D, Faug/D, G/D
