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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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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.

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

“And I Love Her” is a masterful composition by The Beatles that beautifully demonstrates their ability to mix pop songwriting with complexities of harmonic journey. The song is in the key of E Major, which is unique for being a popular song written by the Beatles in a major key. The main repeating chord progression of the Verse 3 is a progression that modulates between F# minor (the relative minor of A Major, which is the subdominant of E Major), and C# minor (the relative minor of E Major, the original key). The progression’s use of E6 at the end, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor), adds a unique flavor of sixth interval. Finally, it concludes on E6, a somewhat uncommon way to ground a song within a major key.

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic and influential rock song released in 1967. The chord progression featured in Verse 3 of this song has a bluesy, psychedelic sound that typifies Hendrix’s style. The use of the E7#9 chord, also known as the “Hendrix chord,” adds a sense of tension and dissonance, which contributes to the edgy and innovative nature of the song.

Weezer – California Kids – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

C, C/B, Am, G, F, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I) – C/B (I6) – Am (vi) – G (V) – F (IV) – G (V) – C (I)

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Borrowed Chords: None in this progression
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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: C (IV, in the original key of G Major) – Em7 (vi) – G (I) – D (V)

Please note that the above similar chord progressions are not in the C major key but share a resemblance in terms of common chord movements and structure to the one in “California Kids.”

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the tonic chord C (I) and transitions to C/B (I6), which features the same C major chord but with a B in the bass. This chromatic bass motion adds a smooth transition to the next chord, Am (vi). Following the vi chord, the piece progresses to G (V), leading to a strong IV – V – I movement with F (IV) and G (V) before resolving back to the tonic, C (I). This resolution provides a sense of closure while maintaining forward momentum through the verse.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the Verse 3 in the song “California Kids” by Weezer features a blend of diatonic and chromatic chords in the key of C major, exhibiting a classic pop-rock feel with some variations in the chord structure. The progression also showcases the use of chromatic bass motion to add harmonic interest.

Style Analysis

The chord progression used in “California Kids” is indicative of Weezer’s pop-rock and power pop style. The progression combines simple diatonic chords with chromatic bass motion and traditional harmonic cadences, making it catchy and memorable. The use of common pop-rock chord progressions (IV – V – I, I – vi) and the smooth bass motion allows for a strong melodic framework and accessible harmonies that resonate with listeners.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

C, C/B, Am, G, F, G, C