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“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is composed in the key of E minor. The song has quite a simple structure and harmony with a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V (D-G-A in E minor key) chord progression which is one of the most common patterns in popular music. This I-IV-V progression vests the song with its harmonic backbone and creates a strong, wide-open sonic canvas.

“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.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic example of hard rock and blues rock, characterized by its driving rhythm, distorted guitar riff, and powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a focus on the blues-based E-D-E progression during the second chorus. Although seemingly basic, this progression contributes to the song’s raw, energetic vibe.

The “Like Clockwork” track by Queens of the Stone Age showcases a wide range of harmonic complexity. The track is in the key of F# minor and it is characterized by non-traditional chord progressions. From the range of chords used within the song, it’s clear that the song deviates from strict diatonic harmony, and freely borrows chords from parallel keys (modal mixture).

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90’s alternative rock song that features a catchy and memorable chord progression during its chorus. The harmony is simple and combines both major and minor chords, giving it a balanced and well-rounded sound. It is worth noting that this progression is fairly common in popular music, particularly in rock and indie genres.

The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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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:

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B Major (VI) borrowed from D minor
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Similar Chord Progressions

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1. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”:
A minor (I) – G Major (VII) – D Major (IV) – F Major (VI)
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F Major (VI) borrowed from A Major
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2. Radiohead – “Creep”:
G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C Major (IV)
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B Major (III) borrowed from G minor
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3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
F# minor (VI) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – B Major (II)
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B Major (II) borrowed from A minor
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Musical Analysis

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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.

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Overall Analysis

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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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Style Analysis

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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.

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Chords in the Chorus 2 section of Today by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’]