Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – Verse 1
Wish You Were Here < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G
Chord Progression Analysis
C Major (I) – D Major/F# (V/V) – A Minor/E (vi) – G Major (V) – D Major/F# (V/V) – C Major (I) – A Minor (vi) – G Major (V)
The D Major chord in this context functions as a borrowed chord from the parallel Lydian mode:
`D Major (♭II)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Hotel California” by Eagles:
B Minor (i) – F# Major/A# (V) – A Major (VII) – E Major/G# (IV) – G Major (VI) – D Major (III) – E Major (IV) – F# Major (V)
Here, the chords A Major and G Major function as borrowed chords from the parallel Dorian and Mixolydian modes, respectively.
2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (Verse):
A Minor (i) – C Major/G (♭III) – G Major (♭VII) – D Major/F# (IV) – A Minor (i) – C Major/G (♭III) – D Major (IV) – F Major (♭VI)
The F Major chord functions as a borrowed chord from the parallel Aeolian mode.
These similar chord progressions contain borrowed chords and/or inversions that create a sense of longing and depth, showcasing the versatility and emotional expressiveness of these techniques in rock music.
Musical Analysis
The verse begins with the tonic chord, C Major, establishing a sense of stability. The progression then moves to a borrowed D Major chord in first inversion, creating tension leading to the relative minor, A Minor. This chord progression (I – V/V – vi) heightens the emotional impact and sets up a smooth transition to the dominant, G Major. The cycle is repeated, transitioning back to the tonic chord (C Major) before ending on the dominant (G Major), leaving a sense of openness and anticipation of the next verse or chorus.
Overall Analysis
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is an iconic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song’s verse chord progression evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, featuring a combination of major and minor chords, as well as borrowed chords and inversions that create a unique and emotional soundscape.
Style Analysis
“Wish You Were Here” is known for its acoustic guitar-driven sound, meaningful lyrics, and melodic guitar solos. The combination of introspective lyrics and the verse’s chord progression contributes to the overall melancholic atmosphere, making it a timeless representation of 70’s progressive rock.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – Verse 1?
C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G
