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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 interlude piece from Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an eight-chord progression in the key of C major, with prevalent use of Roman numeral notation and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales. This progression is typical in rock and pop music, representing Weezer’s alternative rock style.

“Wild Horses” is a song by the rock band Rolling Stones from their 1971 album “Sticky Fingers”. It is a great example of the band’s adeptness not only at writing catchy rock songs but also at creating complex and interesting chord progressions. The song is in the key of G major. The verse progression is interesting with the use of the B minor chord (Bm), which is the iii chord in the key of G major – a chord that isn’t commonly used in popular music.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” features an interesting mixture of diatonic and chromatic chords with noticeable tonal shifts. The progression is G – A# – Am – C – G – A# – Am – C, with an emphasis on the G major key. This progression conveys an expressive and slightly unstable mood, creating tension and release with the inclusion of borrowed and non-diatonic chords.

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

Weezer – The Good Life – Verse 3

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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

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G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – B7 (V/vi°)

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E major (V/vi) is borrowed from the parallel minor (G minor)
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Similar Chord Progressions

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1. Radiohead – “Creep”:
G major (I) – B major (V/vi) – C major (IV) – C minor (iv)

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
C major (IV) – E major (V/vi) – A minor (ii) – G major (I) – D major (V) – E major (V/vi) – F# minor (iii) – D major (V)

3. The Beatles – “Something”:
C major (I) – C major 7 (I7) – C7 (I7) – F major (IV) – E major (V/vi) – A minor (vi) – A minor 7 (vi7) – D7 (V7)

All three songs feature similar elements like borrowed chords (E major as V/vi) or the use of diatonic chords in their progressions.

Musical Analysis

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The progression uses a combination of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord to create a sense of tension and resolution. The E major chord (V/vi) is borrowed from the parallel minor key (G minor) and serves as a secondary dominant, intensifying the resolution to the following G major chord (I). The E major chord can also be seen as a chromatic mediant relationship with the A minor (ii) chord, adding more color and interest to the progression. The D major (V) and A minor (ii) chords provide a sense of stability in the progression, anchoring it in the key of G major.

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Overall Analysis

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The given chord progression is from the verse 3 of the song “The Good Life” by Weezer. The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor).

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Style Analysis

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The song “The Good Life” by Weezer is part of their alternative rock style, which is known for its power chords and catchy melodies. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, contributing to a rich and engaging harmonic landscape. This use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants is common in various genres like rock, pop, and jazz, giving music a sense of tension, surprise, and depth.

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Chords in the Verse 3 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