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The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major and minor keys. The progression features strong harmonic movement with a pivot modulation. Muse is known for their dramatic, often symphonic rock sound, and this progression is no exception in showing off their signature style. The progression also shares some similarities with other artists’ works in both structure and harmonic content.

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a rock song that exhibits some fundamental rock and blues progressions and chord changes. The chorus of the song is a three-chord progression [E, G, C] that repeats four times.

Weezer – If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To – Chorus

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Chord Progression

D, Bm, Bm, G, A, Bm, D, Bm, Bm, G, A, D

Chord Progression Analysis

D (I) – Bm (vi) – Bm (vi) – G (IV) – A (V) – Bm (vi) – D (I) – Bm (vi) – Bm (vi) – G (IV) – A (V) – D (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis:
D (I) – Dsus4 (Isus4) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – G (IV) – Bm (vi) – A (V) – D (I)

2. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (in F minor):
Fm (i) – Bb (IV) – Ab (III) – Db (VI)

These songs, like Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To),” make use of diatonic chords in their progressions while also including variations, such as sus chords in “Wonderwall” or chords borrowed from the parallel major scale in “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This gives the progressions an additional layer of interest and emotion comparable to Weezer’s piece.

Musical Analysis

The chorus begins with the tonic chord, D, establishing the key of the piece. It then moves to the relative minor chord, Bm, which serves to add depth and contrast to the harmony. The repetition of the Bm chord emphasizes its importance in the progression. Following the Bm, we move to G and A, the IV and V chords, respectively. These chords are used to create a sense of forward momentum and ultimately lead back to the tonic.

The second half of the progression mirrors the first half, but with one key difference: rather than returning to Bm for another round of vi-IV-V, the progression resolves directly back to the tonic, D, creating a strong sense of resolution and conclusion.

Overall Analysis

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

Style Analysis

The chord progression used in this Weezer piece is characteristic of the alternative rock style of the 1990s. The use of diatonic chords, simple harmonic structures, and a strong bass line provide a solid foundation for the melody and lyrics. The progression’s mix of major and minor chords gives the chorus an emotional complexity common in alternative rock, conveying a wide range of feelings such as nostalgia, hope, and longing.

Chords in the Chorus section of If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To by Weezer are:

D, Bm, Bm, G, A, Bm, D, Bm, Bm, G, A, D