“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an iconic song from the 90s alternative rock era, instantly recognizable for its dreamy atmosphere and memorable guitar work. For guitar players, “1979” is a fantastic song to learn. It’s approachable for intermediate beginners and offers a great introduction to alternative rock chord progressions and dynamics. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “1979”, providing you with everything you need to start playing this classic track.
Understanding the Chords in “1979”
The song primarily revolves around a set of chords that create its signature sound. Let’s look at the main chords you’ll need to know to play “1979”:
- A Major (A): A fundamental chord, often used as a starting point for many songs.
- E Major 7th (Emaj7): This chord adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor compared to a standard E major. It’s crucial for the song’s distinctive sound.
- E Major (E): The standard E major, providing a solid and grounding feel in contrast to Emaj7.
- Bsus4 (B suspended 4th): This chord creates a sense of tension and anticipation, resolving nicely to the B major chord.
- B Major (B): A powerful major chord that provides resolution and drive.
- A Major 7th (Amaj7): Similar to Emaj7, Amaj7 adds a rich, melodic quality.
- C# minor (C#m): A minor chord that introduces a touch of melancholy and contrast to the major chords.
- F# Major (F#): Another major chord, adding harmonic variety in the bridge section.
These chords are not overly complex, making the song accessible to a wide range of guitarists. The beauty of “1979” lies in how these chords are arranged and played, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant piece.
“1979” Song Structure and Chord Progression
To effectively learn “1979”, understanding its structure and how the chords progress through each section is essential. Here’s a breakdown:
Intro and Riff
The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff that is instantly recognizable. This riff is played throughout the intro and verses, providing the rhythmic and melodic backbone of the song.
E---------------------------------------------------
B---------------------------------------------------
G---8-8-8-8-8-8-8-9-4-4-4-4-4-4---------------------
D---x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-7-6-4-2-4-6-7-9-9-9-
A---6-6-6-6-6-6-6-7-2-2-2-2-2-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
E---0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---------------------This riff is played over a chord progression of A – Emaj7 – E. This sequence sets the mood and is repeated throughout the verses.
Verse 1
(A Emaj7 E)
Shakedown 1979
(A Emaj7 E)
Cool kids never have the time
(A Bsus4)
On a live wire right up off the street
(B)
You and I should meet
(A Emaj7 E)
Junebug skipping like a stone
(A Emaj7 E)
With the headlights pointed at the dawn
(A Bsus4 B)
We were sure we’d never see an end to it all
Chorus
The chorus introduces a slight change in the chord progression, adding emotional depth:
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
And I don’t even care to shake these zipper blues
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
And we don’t know Just where our bones will rest
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
To dust I guess Forgotten and
(Bsus4 B)
absorbed into the earth below
Verse 2
Verse 2 follows the same chord progression as Verse 1, maintaining the song’s established feel:
(A Emaj7 E)
Double cross the vacant and the bored
(A Emaj7 E)
They’re not sure just what we have in the store
(A Bsus4 B)
Morphine city slippin dues down to see
Chorus 2
The second chorus is identical to the first in terms of chord progression:
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
That we don’t even care as restless as we are
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
We feel the pull in the land of a thousand
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
Guilts and poured cement, lamented and
Bridge
The bridge section provides a harmonic shift, creating a dynamic contrast:
(B C#m A)
Assured to the lights and towns below
(B C#m A)
Faster than the speed of sound
(B C#m A)
Faster than we thought we’d go,
(F# B)
beneath the sound of hope
Verse 3
Returning to the verse structure:
(A Emaj7 E)
Justine never knew the rules,
(A Emaj7 E)
Hung down with the freaks and the ghouls
(A Emaj7 E)
No apologies ever need be made,
(A Bsus4 B)
I know you better than you fake it to see
Chorus 3
The final full chorus before the outro:
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
And I don’t even care to shake these zipper blues
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
And we don’t know Just where our bones will rest
(E Emaj7 Amaj7)
To dust I guess Forgotten and
(Bsus4 B)
absorbed into the earth below
Outro
The outro simplifies and fades out with the main verse progression, ending on a sustained E chord:
(A Emaj7 E)
The street heats the urgency of now
(A E (hold))
As you see there’s no one around
Tips for Playing “1979” on Guitar
- Master the Riff: The riff is central to the song. Practice it slowly at first to get the finger movements correct, then gradually increase speed. Pay attention to the muted notes (indicated by ‘x’ in the tab) which add to the percussive feel.
- Smooth Chord Transitions: Practice transitioning smoothly between A, Emaj7, and E, as these are the most frequently used chords. The change from Emaj7 to E and back requires a slight finger adjustment but is crucial for the song’s flow.
- Dynamics are Key: “1979” isn’t just about the chords; it’s about the feel. Listen closely to the original recording and try to mimic the dynamics. The verses are generally softer, building up to a slightly more intense chorus.
- Experiment with Strumming: While the provided chords are accurate, the strumming pattern in “1979” is not strictly defined and allows for some interpretation. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. A common approach is down-down-up-down-up or similar variations.
- Tuning: Standard tuning (EADGBe) is used for “1979”. Make sure your guitar is properly tuned for the best sound.
Conclusion
“1979” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. Its chord progression is both catchy and emotionally evocative, and while the main riff might take some practice, the overall song is accessible for intermediate beginners. By learning these “1979 Guitar Chords” and practicing the song structure, you’ll be well on your way to playing this Smashing Pumpkins classic. Enjoy playing and exploring the sonic landscape of “1979”!
