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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The chord progression in the bridge of “Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a relatively simple progression that revolves around the C Major and G Major chords, with brief appearances of D Major and E minor add9 chords. The piece showcases Pink Floyd’s signature progressive rock style, with steady changes between chords and a sense of tension and release.

The chord progression in the verse of “Congratulations” by MGMT is an interesting blend of conventional pop and classical harmonies with some use of borrowed chords. The progression features mostly diatonic chords in the key of G major, but there are moments of modal interchange and suspensions that add color and tension to the progression.

The chord progression for the verse of “Electric Feel” by MGMT is based in the key of C major. The progression mainly revolves around the use of i, v, VI, and VII chords. The song has a hypnotic, cyclic feel that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic genre, with touches of funk and dance music elements.

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is a rock song, primarily falling within the alternative rock and power pop styles. The chord progression of Verse 1 is simple yet effective in creating a somber, introspective mood. It primarily utilizes diatonic chords of the C major key, with the E major chord borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor).

Chord progression analysis with Roman numerals:
A minor (vi) – E major (V/vi) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

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Borrowed chord: E major (V/vi)
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Pink Floyd – Welcome To The Machine – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9, C, Am, Em, C, Emadd9, C, Em, Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (i) – Cmaj7 (VI) – Emadd9 (iadd9) – C (VI) – Am (iv) – Em (i) – C (VI) – Emadd9 (iadd9) – C (VI) – Em (i) – Em (i) – Cmaj7 (VI) – Emadd9 (iadd9)

Similar Chord Progressions

1) Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Am (i) – Am(add9) – Dmaj7 (IV) – Fmaj7 (VI) – E (V) – Am/E (i)

2) David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Em (i) – Emadd9 (iadd9) – Em7/A (♭III) – Cmaj7 (VI) – Em (i)

These songs share a similar atmosphere and use of extended or borrowed chords to create a distinctive sound. While not identical to Welcome To The Machine, they exemplify artists’ exploration of chord progressions that venture beyond simple diatonic harmonies to produce emotionally evocative music.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with Em (i), which establishes the tonality of the piece. The following chord, Cmaj7 (VI), is a borrowed chord from the E Aeolian mode, adding a sense of depth and richness to the progression. The next chord, Emadd9 (iadd9), is an addition of the 9th degree to the tonic chord, creating a more ambiguous and dreamy texture.

The progression continues with a series of diatonic chords, such as C (VI) and Am (iv), reinforcing the tonal center around E minor. The repeated use of Emadd9 (iadd9) throughout the progression further accentuates the emotional and ethereal atmosphere of the piece.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Pink Floyd is known for their unique approach to songwriting and their experimental use of harmony and texture. This particular chord progression exemplifies their affinity for creating lush soundscapes and using unexpected chord extensions or borrowed chords to evoke strong emotional reactions. The signature sounds of their extended guitar solos and atmospheric synths also significantly contribute to the overall character and identity of this piece.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Welcome To The Machine by Pink Floyd are:

Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9, C, Am, Em, C, Emadd9, C, Em, Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9