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The chord progression in Verse 2 of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” is a complex and somewhat unconventional progression. It primarily features chords from the E natural minor scale, with some borrowed chords from the parallel E major scale. The progression creates an atmospheric and moody soundscape that is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music, especially in their album “Wish You Were Here.” It also displays a certain level of sophistication in the harmony which underscores Pink Floyd’s musical depth.

“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.

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is an experimental and ambient piece released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The piece defies traditional pop and rock song forms, delving more into the territory of electronic and experimental music. The outro chord progression is simple but intriguing, serving a hypnotic and unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

The outro of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a smooth, soulful chord progression that is common to jazz, R&B, and pop music. The progression has a descending movement with alternating minor 7th and major 7th chords. This repetition creates a sense of ambience and resolution, making it an ideal conclusion to the song.

The Rolling Stones’ “As Tears Go By” is primarily in the key of G major and follows a Verse-Verse-Verse-Outro structure. The harmony is relatively simple, incorporating primarily diatonic chords from the G major scale as well as a few borrowed chords and inversions.

Chord Progression Analysis (Outro):
G Major (I) – A Major (V/vi, borrowed from E minor) – C Major (IV) – D Major (V) – G Major (I)

Pink Floyd – Welcome To The Machine – Outro

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Chord Progression

Em

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression in the outro is very simple, consisting of only one chord:
Em (‘i’)

Since there is only one chord in this progression, there are no borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

While single-chord songs are not very common, here are some examples of other songs that feature a repeating single chord throughout:

1. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows”
Chord progression: C Major (‘I’)

2. The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”
Chord progression: D Major / D5 (‘I’)

3. Neil Young – “Dead Man Theme”
Chord progression: Dm (‘i’)

4. Brian Eno – “1/1” (from “Ambient 1: Music for Airports”)
Chord progression: F#m (‘i’)

Please note that these songs may not have the same progression throughout the entire piece but showcase prominent sections with a single chord as their basis.

Musical Analysis

The outro’s single-chord repetition establishes a hypnotic, drone-like quality, which is enhanced by various ambient soundscapes and textures. This evokes a sense of being lost or trapped in the machine, with no resolution or escape. The use of a minor chord (Em) gives a melancholic and unsettling feel, further adding to the oppressive atmosphere of the track.

Overall Analysis

“Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece that features a rather minimalistic chord progression, with only one chord during the outro. The piece is characterized by its lush soundscape, synthesizer layering, and the use of sound effects to create an atmosphere of a mechanized world.

Style Analysis

As a progressive rock band, Pink Floyd is known for their experimental and innovative approach to music making, blending various styles and genres. “Welcome to the Machine” showcases their affinity for electronic music, with the extensive use of synthesizers and sound manipulation. The minimalistic chord progression reflects their willingness to step away from the conventional rock and pop templates, allowing them to create something more atmospheric and evocative.

Chords in the Outro section of Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd are:

Em