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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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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“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

The chord progression appears to be in the key of Bb Major, and showcases various diatonic chords along with a few borrowed chords. This progression is characterized by a blend of smooth and rich harmony, primarily due to the use of 7th chords and suspensions. The introduction of the dominant B7 chord adds interest, making the progression more unpredictable and complex.

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