The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Chorus 2
Today < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]
Chord Progression Analysis
**
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
B Major (VI)
Here are the borrowed chords:
“`
B Major (VI) borrowed from D minor
“`
**
Similar Chord Progressions
**
1. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”:
A minor (I) – G Major (VII) – D Major (IV) – F Major (VI)
“`
F Major (VI) borrowed from A Major
“`
2. Radiohead – “Creep”:
G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C Major (IV)
“`
B Major (III) borrowed from G minor
“`
3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
F# minor (VI) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – B Major (II)
“`
B Major (II) borrowed from A minor
“`
Musical Analysis
**
The chord progression, D-A-G, is a classic I-V-IV progression in the key of D Major. It offers a cycle of fourths, moving from D to G, a perfect fourth, and back again through A. This is a very typical rock ‘n’ roll progression but Billy Corgan often uses distinctive voicings and colors to change up this classic progression. He does this by switching from a Major key to its relative minor, creating a darker, melancholic mood, which is complemented by the lyrics.
The borrowed B Major chord introduces a momentary modal shift. The B Major (VI) chord is not diatonic to the key of D Major – it’s borrowed from D minor. This brings a brief but effective surprise to the listener and an unexpected twist in the otherwise predictable progression.
**
Overall Analysis
**
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.
**
Style Analysis
**
The Smashing Pumpkins often made use of alternative tunings, creating a unique and expansive wall of sound. This chord progression showcases their mix of heavy rock sensibilities with a keen pop sense for melodic hooks. Additionally, the band’s love for borrowing chords and switching major/minor tonality contributes to their distinctive style, adding depth and contrast to their music.
**
What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Chorus 2?
[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]