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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

“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.

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

“Bohemian Rhapsody”, composed by Queen, is a powerful anthem that merges elements of rock, opera, and progressive music. The chord progression demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of voice leading and functional harmony, contributing to its distinctive sound. Famous for its key changes and thematic progressions, the composition is often cited as an example of Freddie Mercury’s musical genius.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song written by Elton John that features a complex chord progression that effectively complements the haunting and nostalgic quality of the song’s lyrics. The primary key of the song is D major, while parts of the progression borrow from both the parallel minor (D minor) and the relative minor (B minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds harmonic interest and enhances the song’s evocative, wistful mood.

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’]