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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

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The piece, ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins follows an overarching structure with a mix of major and minor chords, what stand out are the rich extended chords, ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’. The piece displays a balance between tonic chords and dominant chords, expressing a classic pop-rock style whilst frequent usage of maj7 chords adding a distinctive jazziness to the tune.

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Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand” is an interesting and unique composition with an innovative chord progression. The song is in the key of G major and is characterized by an engaging and complex harmonic structure that showcases Hendrix’s skill as a songwriter and performer. The chord progression, though relatively simple, creates a sense of depth and movement uncommon during that time period.

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’]