The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Verse 1
Today < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The verse repeats the three-chord progression of Em-G-B. Here are the chord names and their roman numerals:
Em (i)
G (III)
B (V)
E minor is the ‘i’ as it’s the tonic chord in an E minor scale. G major, being the major third of E minor is ‘III’. And B major is the 5th note in the E minor scale, so it is a ‘V’ chord but expected to be minor in a minor scale. Hence, it is a borrowed chord from E major scale.
“`Chord: Em, Roman Numeral: i
Chord: G, Roman Numeral: III
Chord: B, Roman Numeral: V (borrowed chord from E major scale)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
The Pixies’ song “Where Is My Mind” uses a similar chord progression.
Chords are E – G# – C#m – G# (i – III – vi – III in E major)
Another song is “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Chords: E – B – C#m – G#m – A – E – B (I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – V)
Musical Analysis
Typically, a song in a minor key will have a minor v chord, but here it is a major V (B Major), which is a common substitution and this introduces more musical tension and brightness than a B minor would, setting up the return to Em. This V-i movement creates a strong resolution, helping sustain interest in the repeated progression. Meanwhile, the III chord (G major) acts as a mediator between i and V, giving a sense of ascension and dynamic uplift.
Overall Analysis
“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins, was released in 1993 on their second album, “Siamese Dream.” The song is classic-’90s alternative rock with its layered guitars and emotionally raw lyrics. key is “E minor.”
Style Analysis
As part of the grunge and alt-rock scenes, The Smashing Pumpkins often used unusual or unconventional chord progressions in their songs. The use of the major V chord in a minor key is both surprising and yet natural sounding, and it showcases their versatility and willingness to bend the rules of tradition rock songwriting.
What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Verse 1?
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’]
