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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins employs a variety of chords throughout the song, including major, major 7th, and minor 7th chords. The chord progression varies between sections but is based mostly on a mid-tempo groove in the key of E Major. The song utilizes common pop/rock conventions to create a dreamy and nostalgic soundscape, with the juxtaposition of the major and minor 7th chords adding complexity.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

Patterns in music are fundamental for creating musical identity. This repetition ensures the music is coherent and familiar for the listener. In the case of “Perfect” by Smashing Pumpkins, the song makes use of a common popular music chord progression known as the I – vi progression.

The chord progression “[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’]” from the outro of Weezer’s “The Good Life” is a simple, yet effective progression in the key of E minor. It demonstrates a melancholic feel common to alternative rock and power-pop music genres of the 1990s. The chords in this progression are borrowed from the E natural minor scale.

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’]