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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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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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The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

The chord progression in the outro of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” follows a repeating pattern with a combination of major and power chords. The overall key of the progression is G major, and the chords follow a predictable pattern that is rooted in rock and alternative music styles. The chord progression uses borrowed chords from the parallel key of G minor, specifically the B♭ major chord.

The outro of ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles is a prime example of a repeated chord progression, specifically a repeated loop of D-C-G-D. This progression is repeated throughout the last significant section of the song, often referred to as the “na na na” section, essentially becoming a kind of mantra or chant that brings the song to a sustained and palpable resolution.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the analysis for the chords in the outro:
“`
– A Major (I)
– E Major 7th (V7)
– E Major (V)
– A Major (I)
– E Major (V)
“`

The borrowed chord:
“`
– E Major 7th (V7)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty:
“`
D (I),
Dsus4 (Isus4),
Asus (IVsus),
A (IV)
“`

“Let Her Go” by Passenger:
“`
(I),
D (V),
Em (vi),
D/C (V/7),
G/B (IV/6),
D7/F# (V7/ii),
G (IV),
G/F# (IV/ii)
“`

“Times Like These” by Foo Fighters:
“`
D5 (I),
C5 (bVII),
G5 (IV),
Em (ii)
“`

Note that while these songs feature somewhat similar chord progressions, the actual voicings, rhythms, and additional musical elements may vary widely.

Musical Analysis

“1979” is heavily guitar-driven, with the chords extensively embellished by arpeggios. While the song is in A major, the extensive use of Emaj7 (a chord borrowed from the key of E major) and E major lends the song a distinctive atmospheric quality.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The Smashing Pumpkins are known for their alternative rock/grunge style and “1979” is no exception. However, this song leans more towards the pop end of their sound spectrum, using catchy, pleasant melodies and progressions, while still retaining the atmospheric, somewhat melancholic undertones that are typical for the band.

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

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]