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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The intro of “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a simple, yet effective chord progression in the key of C major. The progression starts on the tonic, moves to a first inversion of a G6 chord, followed by an A minor chord, and finally back to the first inversion of the G6 chord. The progression has a circular nature, which adds to the song’s catchiness and memorability.

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 song, “Sour Times” by Portishead, is in the key of C# minor. The chord progression of the chorus that you’ve provided swings between three chords (F#m7, Emaj7, D#7) four times before ending on a C#m chord. It suggests a II – I – VII progression in the chorus, which is rare and distinctive in contemporary music genres. This choice of chord progression creates a mysterious, dark, and contemplative mood, characteristic of the trip-hop genre that Portishead propounds.

The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is composed in the key of A Major, but utilizes a number of chord extensions and non-diatonic chords to create a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape fitting the song’s theme of reminiscing about childhood.

The song ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its defining characteristics include plaintive repeated melodies, an intense grunge-inspired arrangement, and Dolores O’Riordan’s iconic vocal embellishments. The song employs a common rock/pop chord progression with added tension by using the D/F# chord.

Weezer – My Name Is Jonas – Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (‘I’), A minor (‘vi’), G Major (‘V’)
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C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Green Day – “When I Come Around”:
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G Major (I) – D major (V) – E minor (vi) – C Major (IV)
“`

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
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C Major (I) – E minor (vi) – G Major (V) – D Major (IV)
“`

3. The Cranberries – “Zombie”:
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E minor (i) – C Major (III) – G Major (VI) – D Major (VII)
“`

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Under the Bridge”:
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D Major (IV) – A Major (I) – B minor (ii) – G Major (V)
“`

Although these songs have different variations, the underlying theme of using simple major and minor chords to create memorable and emotionally rich progressions remains the same.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “My Name Is Jonas” follows a simple I-vi-V pattern, with the C Major chord providing a solid tonal center. The movement from the C Major chord to the A minor chord introduces some drama and a touch of melancholy, emphasizing the emotional lyrics of the song. Finally, the G Major chord offers a sense of resolution and forms a strong cadence back to the C Major chord. This progression gives the song an overall feel of stability and provides the listener with a memorable and easily digestible hook.

Overall Analysis

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90’s alternative rock song that features a catchy and memorable chord progression during its chorus. The harmony is simple and combines both major and minor chords, giving it a balanced and well-rounded sound. It is worth noting that this progression is fairly common in popular music, particularly in rock and indie genres.

Style Analysis

This type of chord progression is characteristic of 90’s alternative rock music and often found in indie genres as well. The simplicity and accessible nature of this progression make it a popular choice for songwriters in these genres. Though it’s a commonly used progression, Weezer manages to make it their own by combining it with distinctive guitar riffs, expressive melodies, and evocative lyrics.

Chords in the Chorus 2 section of My Name Is Jonas by Weezer are:

C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G