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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the refrain of MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” is an intriguing combination of diatonic and borrowed chords. It primarily features chords from the key of A minor and C major, with some noticeable out-of-key chords that add color and tension to the progression.

The chord progression in the outro of MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” is a fairly simple one in terms of harmony, but it showcases some interesting movements between the chords. The progression has a major feeling and centers around the C major key. It sees a modulation to the key of F major during the Bb/F and Bb chords, and then returns to its original key. There are no borrowed chords present in this particular progression.

“Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear exhibits a common pop chord progression and harmonic rhythm. The chords are primarily in root position, which contributes to the song’s straightforward and accessible sound. Stylistically, the track shows the band’s indie-rock influences and features a prominent piano part that drives the harmony.

“The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” features a verse in A minor with a brief but significant shift to F minor, due to the use of borrowed chords or modal mixture. Notably, it showcases The Beatles’ sophisticated approach to harmonization, utilizing unconventional chord progressions & modulations that are cyclical.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles showcases the innovative use of chord progressions that the group is known for. This song, unlike their other songs, includes borrowed chords and numerous secondary dominant chords. It also uses their favored approach of mixing chords from parallel major and minor scales, hence creating a ‘blended’ modal effect.

Moreover, it uses a mixolydian ♭7 in the main chord sequence, which is quite a popular trick among songwriters for shifting the tonic of a song.

MGMT – Weekend Wars – Verse

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Chord Progression

Dm, C, G, C, G, F, Dm, C, F, Am, F, Dm, C, G, C, G, F, Dm, C, F, Am, F

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse begins with a Dm (i) chord and moves to C (VII), which is a common progression in a minor key. The G major chord (IV) that follows is a borrowed chord from the parallel major key (D major). This creates a sense of modulation without actually changing the key. The C, G, F section following this creates a non-diatonic loop, adding complexity to the progression.

The progression eventually returns to Dm (i) and repeats using a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords before finally ending the verse on an F major (III) chord, leaving the listener with a sense of resolution in the relative major key. This helps to create a sense of contrast between the verse and chorus, as well as leave the listener wanting more.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

MGMT is known for their use of unconventional chord progressions and song structures, and “Weekend Wars” is no exception. The mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as the borrowed G major chord, give the song a more experimental and psychedelic feel, fitting well within the context of MGMT’s discography. Additionally, the use of a 22-chord progression adds a sense of complexity to the song, challenging the listener’s expectations and giving the song a more distinct identity.

Overall Analysis

“Weekend Wars” by MGMT features a distinctive and slightly unconventional chord progression. The verse is in D minor and consists of 22 chords, providing a unique and somewhat complex harmonic landscape. The majority of the chords used are diatonic, but there are also borrowed chords and other non-diatonic chords which contribute to the song’s unique character.

Chord Progression:
Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III)

Dm – D minor
C – C major
G – G major (borrowed chord)
F – F major
Am – A minor

Style Analysis

While it’s difficult to find an exact match for the chord progression used in “Weekend Wars,” there are other songs that utilize a similar combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords.

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
Em (i), D (VII), Amaj7 (IV), C (VI), G (III), F# (II), B (V)

2. Tame Impala – “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”:
Dm (i), F (III), Gm (iv), Bb (VI), F (III), C (VII)

These songs, like “Weekend Wars,” demonstrate a unique and unconventional use of harmony, using combinations of borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords to create a signature sound.

Chords in the Verse section of Weekend Wars by MGMT are:

Dm, C, G, C, G, F, Dm, C, F, Am, F, Dm, C, G, C, G, F, Dm, C, F, Am, F