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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

C Major (I)

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C Major – This chord functions as the tonic chord (I) in the key of C Major.
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The piece, ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins follows an overarching structure with a mix of major and minor chords, what stand out are the rich extended chords, ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’. The piece displays a balance between tonic chords and dominant chords, expressing a classic pop-rock style whilst frequent usage of maj7 chords adding a distinctive jazziness to the tune.

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“Hurt” is a song written and composed by Trent Reznor, best known for its version covered by Johnny Cash in C major. The song employs a commonly used pop/rock chord progression (vi- IV- I- V), that aids the conveyance of the theme of regret and redemption. The use of the minor vi chord (Am) as the starting point of the progression provides a very melancholy feel that aligns with the overall tone of regret in the lyrics. The progression then moves to a major IV (F), suggestive of a brief glimpse of hope or relief, before settling into the home key of C. The progression rounds off with a V chord (G), propelling the sequence back to the beginning again, giving a cyclic, repeating, and enduring feel to the music.

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is an alternative rock ballad from their 1995 album, “The Bends.” The moody and atmospheric track is characterized by its emotive vocal delivery, contrasting dynamics, rich arrangement, and engaging chord progression. This progression, in particular, features an interesting mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords that create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.

Weezer – California Kids – Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F

Chord Progression Analysis

The progression and overall style of “California Kids” is emblematic of power pop and pop-rock, which Weezer is known for. The inclusion of the V/vi (E major) borrowed chord adds emotional color and manages to balance familiarity with a slight sense of unpredictability.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

1. “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer
As a Weezer song, “Say It Ain’t So” shares a similar style and progression logic, with the verse chords being:
C#m (i) – G# (V) – A (VI) – E (III)

2. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
The progression in the verse shares a similar rhythmic structure and circular feel, with the chords being:
Cm (i) – G (III) – A# (VI) – Fm (iv) – G# (V)

3. “Drive” by Incubus
This song also has a progression that maintains resolution and tension, with the verse chords being:
Em7 (ii7) – Dmaj9 (I9) – Asus4 (IV)

Overall Analysis

The chorus maintains a feeling of resolution and tension by alternating between the IV (F major) and V (G major) chords, while the vi (A minor) to V/vi (E major) progression provides a smooth transition back to the IV chord (F major).

In terms of borrowed chords, the E Major is a borrowed chord.
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E major (V/vi)
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Style Analysis

Chords in the Chorus 2 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F