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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

The chord progression in the verse of “Time To Pretend” by MGMT is primarily built around the key of D major. It features a simple and repetitive structure, with some variations. The chords used are mainly triads and simple extensions, with the occasional use of suspended chords (Dsus2) to create tension and release. The progression showcases the band’s ability to create an engaging and immersive soundscape, while keeping the harmony relatively simple.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.

Weezer – The Good Life – Verse 2

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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