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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from the concept album “The Wall.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric sound created through a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, haunting vocals, and a variety of effects. The chord progression of Verse 3 is interesting as it features a mix of diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extensions such as the add9 chords that contribute to the song’s unique sound.

The chord progression in the outro of Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of F# major. This progression creates a smooth and somewhat jazzy feel in the music, with the inclusion of a few unexpected chords that add tension and propel the music forward.

“A Star is Born – Shallow” is primarily in the key of G major and has a fairly simple and straightforward chord progression with an intriguing twist toward the end. The song features a common I-V-vi-IV chord progression with an occasional ii-chord (Am) substituting for the vi-chord (Em). Then, it introducess a borrowed chord (Bm) which creates an interesting, unexpected color in the harmony.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

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