Inside
the Spectrum of Pink Floyd

This is great opportunity to explore tone and effects on the guitar. All of these songs from Pink Floyd are expressions of deep, emotional (perhaps disconcerting) themes of anguish, greed, pain and repression.

This series explores three key songs from Pink Floyd that exemplify how strong ideas and concepts get translated in to musical harmony.

1. Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)

From The Wall (1979)

Introduction:

This anthem of rebellion became Pink Floyd’s most commercially successful single. Written by Roger Waters and produced by Bob Ezrin, the song is memorable for its children’s chorus, disco-influenced groove, and biting lyrics: “We don’t need no education.”

Chord & Arrangement Commentary:

Built around a D minor tonality, the chord progression cycles through Dm – G – C – F , creating a modal mixture that balances minor moodiness with moments of brightness. David Gilmour’s blues-influenced solo (pentaonic and Dorian) on top of this groove adds a layer of expressive tension. The simple progression gives plenty of space for atmosphere, vocal layering, and the famous chorus chant.

2. Money

From The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

Introduction:

“Money” stands out as one of Pink Floyd’s most rhythmically unique tracks. Written by Roger Waters, the song opens with the iconic sound of cash registers and coins before launching into a groove in 7/4 time—an odd meter for rock music.

Chord & Arrangement Commentary:

The main groove follows a B minor blues format but played in 7/4 time, giving it an angular, funky feel. The riff is based on the chords: Bm – Em – Bm – Em – Bm – G – A, but with rhythmic displacements that make it feel “off-kilter” and slightly menacing. The saxophone solo (by Dick Parry) and Gilmour’s guitar solo occur over a transition into 4/4, shifting the feel to a more straightforward blues-rock jam. The band returns to 7/4 for the final verses, showcasing their progressive tendencies while keeping the blues-rock soul intact.

3. Comfortably Numb

From The Wall (1979)

Introduction:

Arguably one of Pink Floyd’s most emotionally resonant songs, “Comfortably Numb” is a collaboration between Roger Waters and David Gilmour, or at least Gilmour wrote the solo! and now, Gilmour’s guitar solo is frequently cited as one of the greatest in rock history.

Chord & Arrangement Commentary:

The verses are set in B minor, following the haunting progression: Bm (with a Bm6 in there too) – A – G – Em – Bm – A – G. The chorus, however, modulates to D major: D – A – D – C – G, creating a dramatic lift—like a brief escape from the emotional void. The orchestration is lush, with layered strings, soft synth pads, which can be emulated on guitar). Gilmour’s solo uses slow phrasing, sustained bends, and vocal-like phrasing to evoke a sense of profound yearning and catharsis.