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“Buddy Holly” is a song by Weezer with an upbeat, pop-rock feel. It exists in the key of A major and showcases a recurring chord progression in its verse consisting of F#m, E/G#, and A.

The chord progression in the chorus of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” is in the key of A major and has a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords. Overall, it has a distinct and memorable pop-rock feel, with a strong hook and melodic quality. Through its use of secondary dominants, the progression creates tension and release, pushing the harmony forward in a compelling manner.

“When I Was Your Man” is a pop power ballad with a chord progression that tends to lean towards traditional pop and soul structures. It’s set in the key of C Major. However, the song has a few interesting deviations from the standard pop song structure.

“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles presents us with a classic example of their innovative approach to harmony and composition. Drawing from various sources of influence, the song incorporates elements of traditional pop ballad form with a hint of the Baroque harmonic palette. This song is an excellent study in complex harmony and modulation within a pop music context, a trait that underpins much of The Beatles’ later work.

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

Weezer – Buddy Holly – Bridge

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Chord Progression

A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A

Chord Progression Analysis

A (I) – F#m (vi) – A/C# (I6) – B (II) – A (I) – F#m (vi) – A/C# (I6) – B (II) – A (I) – A (I) – F#m (vi) – A/C# (I6) – B (II) – A (I) – F#m (vi) – A/C# (I6) – B (II) – A (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord progression: C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – F (IV) – C (I) – G (V) – F (IV) – C (I)

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord progression: Em7 (ii7) – G (IV) – Dsus4 (I) – Asus7 (V7)

These chord progressions share similarities such as the use of diatonic progressions within a key and the shifting between major and minor chords, creating a sense of tension and release. Although they may not be identical, the emotional impact and the style share common ground with “Buddy Holly.”

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the tonic (I) chord, A major, which establishes the key center. Moving to the next chord, F#m (vi), creates a shift to the relative minor, adding a sense of melancholy to the music. Following F#m is an inversion of the A major chord, A/C# (I6), creating a smooth bass transition from F# to C#.

The use of the B major chord (II) in this progression is interesting, as it is not diatonic to the key of A major. Here, it functions as a borrowed chord from A’s parallel Lydian mode. This borrowing creates a change in harmonic color, giving the progression a unique touch.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression from the bridge of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” is in the key of A major. The progression presents a strong sense of tonality and features common rock/pop techniques, such as diatonic chord progressions, inversions, and the use of the minor subdominant.

Style Analysis

The chord progression features techniques and elements that are common in pop and rock music, such as the use of diatonic chord progressions within the key, the inclusion of chord inversions for smoother bass transitions, and the borrowing of chords from other modes. The progression evokes a sense of nostalgia, which can also be associated with Weezer’s overall musical style.

Chords in the Bridge section of Buddy Holly by Weezer are:

A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A, F#m, A/C#, B, A