Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

The acoustic outro of “My Name is Jonas” features a simple and catchy five-chord progression which follows a predominantly major tonality with a touch of minor tonality. The loop creates a memorable and recognizable melody that is widely associated with Weezer’s popularity in the alternative rock scene during the ’90s.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

**

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

**

“In My Life” is a song written by The Beatles which stands as a hallmarks of their inventive songwriting and command of complex musical structures. The song is primarily in the key of A Major, but it employs a number of borrowed chords and modal interchange to create a more interesting and richer harmonic landscape. The melody, rhythm, and lyrics of this song are poignant and memorable, making “In My Life” an enduring classic in the Beatles’ catalog.

Weezer – The Good Life – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression follows a I-V-ii-VI pattern for most of the verse, creating a sense of harmonic stability and motion. The use of the VI chord (E Major) instead of the more typical vi chord (E minor) in the key of G major provides a touch of brightness and an uplifting quality to the progression.

The appearance of the borrowed chord (B7) towards the end of the verse adds a momentary touch of tension before resolving to the next section or back to the I chord (G Major), providing a sense of resolution and completion.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

This chord progression is common in pop-rock music and can be found in numerous songs across various genres. Weezer, as a band, often makes use of simple and catchy chord progressions in their songs, which helps give “The Good Life” its accessible and memorable quality.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in question is from the verse 2 of Weezer’s “The Good Life.” It is a pop-rock song in the key of G major, and the progression features common chords found in the key, with one borrowed chord – B7 – to add a touch of tension and harmonic interest.

Chord Progression Analysis (with Roman Numerals):
G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – B7 (`V7/iii`)

The borrowed chord in question is the B7, which is borrowed from the relative minor key (E minor) and functions as a secondary dominant to the iii chord (B minor).

Style Analysis

1. “With or Without You” by U2
This song features a similar I-V-vi-IV progression in the key of D major:
D Major (I) – A Major (V) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV)

2. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
The progression in this classic song is I-vi-IV-V in the key of A major, with an additional borrowed V/V chord:
A Major (I) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV) – E Major (V) – B7 (`V7/V`)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of The Good Life by Weezer are:

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7