Music Theory Alchemy

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“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock song released in 1995. The song is in the key of E minor and primarily uses power chords derived from the E minor scale throughout the song. Power chords or ‘5’ chords, like B5 or G5, don’t have a major or minor quality and are often used in rock music for their strong and neutral sound. The song also applies modal mixture (borrowing chords from parallel keys) for color and tension.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

The verse of “All I Need” by Radiohead features a simple chord progression consisting of three main chords: C, Em, and G. It alternates between these three chords for most of the progression, with some occasional repetition of the C chord. This progression provides a consistent harmonic foundation for the vocal melody and sets a mostly stable and melancholic mood.

The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails works within a minimalist musical framework, where a few shiftless chords and tension-filled pentatonic melodies define the song. It inculcates a dark atmospheric mood through its instrumentation and harmony. The repetitive and consistent use of the Cm7 chord creates a haunting, pulsating groove that add to the atmospheric layer of the song.

The Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet With Butterfly Wings – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘B5’, ‘Em’, ‘G5’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the chord progression for Verse 1:

B5 (I5), Em (ii), G5 (IV5)

BU (Borrowed chords) = None

Similar Chord Progressions

1) “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana – E5 (I5), A5 (IV5), G#5 (III#5), C5 (VI5)
2) “Black” by Pearl Jam – E (I), A (IV), D (VII), Em (ii)

Although these songs are not in the same key nor do they have the exact Figure Bass notation, they share the same grunge aesthetic and utilize power chords to achieve that raw, rock sound. Just like in “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”, there are minor chords interjected amongst the power and major chords for a heightened emotional effect.

Musical Analysis

The song is in the key of B Major. The use of power chords such as B5 and G5, stripped down to their core harmonics elements (root and perfect fifth), provides the song with raw power typical of the punk/grunge genre. B5 and G5 are the major chords strengthened by the fifth, which gives it the specific rock sound. Meanwhile, the Em functions as a minor chord offering a slight mood change. The constant shifts between major and minor chords build tension and intensity throughout the song.

Overall Analysis

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins features a chord progression that uses a lot of power chords (fifth chords) which demonstrates its grungy, rock oriented style. It also incorporates major, minor, and suspended second chords, making it an interesting combination of simplicity and complexity.

Style Analysis

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” is a signature song of the Smashing Pumpkins’ ’90s grunge rock style, featuring distorted guitar tones, intense emotion, and dark lyrics. The use of power chords is typical in this kind of music as they provide a more powerful, simple, and raw sound to express intense emotions. The Asus2 adds a suspense which is characteristic of the moody and introspective aspects of grunge.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Bullet With Butterfly Wings by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘B5’, ‘Em’, ‘G5’]