Pink Floyd – Welcome To The Machine – Verse 1
Welcome To The Machine < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Welcome To The Machine – Verse 1?
Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9, C, Am, Em, C, Emadd9, C, Em, Em, Cmaj7, Emadd9
