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The song “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins has a chord progression that can be considered experimental for Pop and Rock music, which typically tend to use simple and easily predictable progressions. In this song, the progression is notably more complex and unpredictable, shifting between ‘E’ and ‘Emaj7’ gives this track a moody feel, and the Amaj7 gives it another color. This progression is in the key of E major.

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“The Smashing Pumpkins” in the song ‘1979’ has used a somewhat unconventional yet memorable chord progression, particularly in the bridge section. This progression creates a certain mood and melodic texture befitting the song’s laid-back yet emotionally resonant feel.

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Patterns in music are fundamental for creating musical identity. This repetition ensures the music is coherent and familiar for the listener. In the case of “Perfect” by Smashing Pumpkins, the song makes use of a common popular music chord progression known as the I – vi progression.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the analysis for the chords in the outro:
“`
– A Major (I)
– E Major 7th (V7)
– E Major (V)
– A Major (I)
– E Major (V)
“`

The borrowed chord:
“`
– E Major 7th (V7)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty:
“`
D (I),
Dsus4 (Isus4),
Asus (IVsus),
A (IV)
“`

“Let Her Go” by Passenger:
“`
(I),
D (V),
Em (vi),
D/C (V/7),
G/B (IV/6),
D7/F# (V7/ii),
G (IV),
G/F# (IV/ii)
“`

“Times Like These” by Foo Fighters:
“`
D5 (I),
C5 (bVII),
G5 (IV),
Em (ii)
“`

Note that while these songs feature somewhat similar chord progressions, the actual voicings, rhythms, and additional musical elements may vary widely.

Musical Analysis

“1979” is heavily guitar-driven, with the chords extensively embellished by arpeggios. While the song is in A major, the extensive use of Emaj7 (a chord borrowed from the key of E major) and E major lends the song a distinctive atmospheric quality.

Overall Analysis

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

Style Analysis

The Smashing Pumpkins are known for their alternative rock/grunge style and “1979” is no exception. However, this song leans more towards the pop end of their sound spectrum, using catchy, pleasant melodies and progressions, while still retaining the atmospheric, somewhat melancholic undertones that are typical for the band.

Chords in the Outro section of 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]