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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins, originally by Fleetwood Mac, is written in the key of G major. The song features simple, but effective, chord progressions that are common in the folk and rock genres. The progression utilizes primary chords in the key (G, D, and C), along with some modal mixture via the borrowing of the minor iv chord (C) and minor vi chord (Am) from the parallel minor key (G minor). The secondary dominant D/F# creates tension and movement towards the Em chord. There is also the use of a G6 chord which adds color to the piece.

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Given by the chords you’ve provided, it appears the song “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is primarily in the key of D Major with occasional borrowed chords from D minor and E minor. The varying uses of D Major, D minor, and E minor really showcase the variety in Billy Corgan’s guitar writing.

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The chord progression of the Verse 3 in the song “California Kids” by Weezer features a blend of diatonic and chromatic chords in the key of C major, exhibiting a classic pop-rock feel with some variations in the chord structure. The progression also showcases the use of chromatic bass motion to add harmonic interest.

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

The Smashing Pumpkins – Landslide – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s a detailed chord progression analysis with complete chord names and their corresponding roman numeral forms:

– C Major (‘I’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– C Major (‘I’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– C Major (‘I’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– C Major (‘I’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– C Major (‘I’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– G6 (‘V6’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– G6 (‘V6’)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
– Progression: Em7 (‘ii7’) – G (‘V’) – Dsus4 (‘IVsus4’) – A7sus4 (‘VII7sus4’)

2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
– Progression: Am (‘vi’) – D/F# (‘II#’) – G/F (‘bVII/F’) – G (‘V’) – Am (‘vi’)

Each of these songs use similar technique of alternating between major and minor chords, creating a memorable tonal landscape that moves the listener. “Wonderwall” also uses a type of 6th chord (A7sus4) that, similar to “Landslide”, creates a unique and distinctive sound.

Musical Analysis

The structure of C – G6 – G6 – Am, repeated several times, beautifully leads into each other, building suspense before resolving back to the C. The G6 chord acts as a transition chord leading to the Am, and then once again leads back to the C, effectively outlining the tonal center of the piece.

Overall Analysis

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a subtly complicated piece of music. At first glance, the chord progression may seem simple, but it actually incorporates a number of rich musical techniques that give the song its iconic depth and emotional resonance. The song follows a simple yet powerful chord progression and relies heavily on the interplay between the root C major chord, the G6, and the Am minor. There is a recurring theme of returning to the G6, which creates tension and suggests feelings of melancholy or introspection.

Style Analysis

The dominant use of G6 gives a nod to the band’s alternative-rock style, as this is not a conventional chord that is traditionally used. The Smashing Pumpkins have been known for their grunge and heavy metal influences, and incorporating such chords adds a layer of musical sophistication and unpredictability to their songs.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Landslide by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘C’, ‘G6’, ‘G6’, ‘Am’, ‘G6’]