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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The song ‘Today’ by The Smashing Pumpkins is a classic example of mixing major and minor modes in rock music. The majority of the song is modal, centered around D major and B minor. However, the bridge section changes gears and revolves around E minor.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles is in the minor mode and its chord progression showcases rich harmonic content and unexpected key changes, common to The Beatles’ music. Harmonically, it features an interesting mixture of chords from the parallel major and minor keys, which is indicative of modal interchange, a key characteristic of The Beatles’ songwriting.

The progression for the song is tuned to a standard E Standard (E A D G B E) and it is in the key of G.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a signature riff that has become an iconic part of rock and roll history. The chorus of the song features a chord progression based on the alternating pattern of E and D Major chords, creating a groove that is both driving and catchy.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Chorus 1

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Chord Progression

[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Chorus:
“`
1. E (I)
2. Emaj7 (I7)
3. Amaj7 (IV7)
4. E (I)
5. Emaj7 (I7)
6. Amaj7 (IV7)
7. E (I)
8. Emaj7 (I7)
9. Amaj7 (IV7)
10. F#m7 (ii7)
11. B (V)
12. Emaj7 (I7)
13. E (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

Although unique in many ways, the chord progression of “1979” can be compared to that of “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay. The song also has an unconventional progression with multiple seventh chords. The progression starts on D (I), moving to G (IV), Bm7 (vi7), G (IV) and A (V). This progression shows similar use of major seventh chords, and ends on a dominant chord, as does “1979”.

Musical Analysis

The song begins and ends with the ‘Emaj7’ chord (I7), which signifies a certain resolve, but within the progression there is a noticeable tension, particularly when it transitions to the ‘Amaj7’ (IV7) chord, which is a major seventh in place of a more typical major or minor chord. In addition, the chord progression includes the ‘F#m7’ (ii7) and ‘B’ (V), a common sequence that creates a cadence back to the ‘E key’.

Overall Analysis

The song “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins has a chord progression that can be considered experimental for Pop and Rock music, which typically tend to use simple and easily predictable progressions. In this song, the progression is notably more complex and unpredictable, shifting between ‘E’ and ‘Emaj7’ gives this track a moody feel, and the Amaj7 gives it another color. This progression is in the key of E major.

Style Analysis

Known for their grungy sound and complex guitar work, The Smashing Pumpkins push the boundaries of typical chord progressions with songs like “1979”. The band often uses seventh chords and unexpected chord changes to create an unique and interesting sound. The use of ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’ gives the song its distinctive, melancholy sound that sets it apart from other songs in the same genre.

Chords in the Chorus 1 section of 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]