The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Verse 2
Today < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’]
Chord Progression Analysis
This chord progression ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’ in the key of E minor outlines the chords i, III, V, respectively.
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E minor (‘i’)
G major (‘III’)
B major (‘V’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
The ‘i – III – V’ progression is quite common in alternative rock, though it’s used in many genres. Some examples include:
1. Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings” – The verses use a similar progression:
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A (IV), C (VI), E (I).
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2. The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – The verse part has a similar progression:
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Am (I), C#m (III), E (V).
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An important note is that with these examples, the exact voicings, rhythm, and arrangement will play significant roles in the overall sound, meaning that while they share a similar harmonic structure to “Today,” they won’t sound identical due to these other music parameters.
Musical Analysis
This chord progression is a case of modal interchange (borrowed chords). The B major chord is borrowed from the E major key, while the entire song is in the E minor key. The unexpected B major chord adds a sense of tension and release, and this technique is common to Smashing Pumpkins songs and other alternative rock genres.
Overall Analysis
“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is in E minor key. The song is from the album Siamese Dream, which most perfectly represents the band’s sound leaning heavily on crunchy guitars and raw power chords. Your requested verse only includes the chord progression ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’ repeated 4 times.
Style Analysis
“Today” is a song in the style of alternative rock and grunge. It is characterized by its loud “wall of sound” style, with distorted guitars and powerful chords throughout. This song structure using borrowed chords and unexpected chords gives their music a distinctive character, rich in tension and release intricacies within the melody line.
What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – Today – Verse 2?
[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’]
