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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd features a combination of diatonic chords and some extensions to create a lush, ethereal sound. The progression mainly circulates around the key of E minor, with added color tones and an emotional center created by the interplay of chords such as the major 7th and the addition of the 9th degree to certain chords.

“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.

“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.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

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