Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – Verse 3
Wish You Were Here < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G
Chord Progression Analysis
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1. C Major (I)
2. D Major with F# in the bass (V/V)
3. A Minor with E in the bass (vi)
4. G Major (V)
5. D Major with F# in the bass (V/V)
6. C Major (I)
7. A Minor (vi)
8. G Major (V)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be” [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
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1. C Major (I)
2. G Major (V)
3. A Minor (vi)
4. F Major (IV)
5. C Major (I)
6. G Major (V)
7. F Major (IV)
8. C Major (I)
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2. Oasis – “Wonderwall” [‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Dsus4’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Dsus4’, ‘A7sus4’]
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1. E Minor (ii)
2. G Major (IV)
3. Dsus4 (I with a suspended 4th)
4. A7sus4 (V with a suspended 4th)
5. E Minor (ii)
6. G Major (IV)
7. Dsus4 (I with a suspended 4th)
8. A7sus4 (V with a suspended 4th)
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Both song examples share similarities with “Wish You Were Here” in terms of their seamless chord transitions and structure. While they don’t share the exact same progression, the mixture of borrowed chords and diatonic chords give a similar effect for building tension and emotion.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression begins with the C Major (I) which establishes the tonal center. The second chord, D Major with F# in the bass (V/V), functions as a secondary dominant, temporarily placing emphasis on the G Major chord that follows.
The third chord, A Minor with E in the bass (vi), serves as a diatonic pivot chord, connecting to the following G Major (V) whichis a strong resolution. The progression then repeats the sequence of D Major with F# in the bass (V/V) to C Major (I), which adds cohesion and builds tension before resolving back to A Minor (vi) and finally G Major (V), creating a strong conclusion with an authentic cadence.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression from verse 3 of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is in the key of C major and shows a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. The progression creates a sense of smooth journey and has a certain melancholic yet uplifting character.
Style Analysis
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a classic example of progressive rock, incorporating elements of blues, folk, and psychedelic music. The chord progression demonstrates their preference for smooth chord shifts and modal interchange, which ultimately contribute to the song’s timeless, poignant character.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – Verse 3?
C, D/F#, Am/E, G, D/F#, C, Am, G
