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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Buddy Holly” is a song by Weezer with an upbeat, pop-rock feel. It exists in the key of A major and showcases a recurring chord progression in its verse consisting of F#m, E/G#, and A.

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is a rock song, primarily falling within the alternative rock and power pop styles. The chord progression of Verse 1 is simple yet effective in creating a somber, introspective mood. It primarily utilizes diatonic chords of the C major key, with the E major chord borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor).

Chord progression analysis with Roman numerals:
A minor (vi) – E major (V/vi) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

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Borrowed chord: E major (V/vi)
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The given chord progression is from the song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails. The overall structure of the song consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge, each with distinct chord progressions that contribute to the song’s moody, melancholic atmosphere. The song is mostly in the key of E minor, with some borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

With a Little Help from My Friends’ exists in a rich harmonic landscape typical of the Beatles. Here, we can see signature moves like mixing major/minor tonalities, borrowed chords, and unconventional harmonic progressions.

“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.

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