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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is written in the key of C major. Although it largely conforms to the traditional progressions expected within this key, the song does feature some interesting variations in the form of borrowed chords coming from the parallel minor key (C minor) – a common technique used in pop and rock music.

“In My Head” is a good example of the band’s signature style, combining elements of rock, punk, and alternative music. The usage of primary chords is fairly standard for rock music, but the inclusion of unexpected chords like G5 and D# adds a complex flavor to the progression making it notably unique amongst other songs within the genre.

“Kiss” is a funk, synthpop song written, produced and performed by Prince. The song’s structure runs around a simple, repeated two-bar eight-note pattern, but what’s odd is the song’s key. Dotting between E and D, it’s hard to pin down definitively, but the song seems to be written in the ambiguous key of E Mixolydian/D major.

Weezer – Buddy Holly – Chorus

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Chord Progression

A, D/F#, E, A, D/F#, E, F#m, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, F#m, E, F#m

Chord Progression Analysis

A (I) – D/F# (IV6) – E (V) – A (I) – D/F# (IV6) – E (V) – F#m (vi) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I) – A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I) – A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I) – A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I) – A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I) – F#m (vi) – E (V) – F#m (vi)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Last Nite” by The Strokes – A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) – A (I)
2. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi – Em (i) – C (VI) – D (VII) – Em (i)
3. “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis – C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – E (III) – F (IV) – G (V) – C (I)
4. “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones – D (I) – G (IV) – A (V) – D (I)

These examples share a simple and effective, predominantly diatonic chord progression, which has proven to be successful in creating catchy hooks in the pop and rock genres. While some of these progressions feature slightly different chords or variations, their overall structure is similar and embodies the versatile and timeless appeal of the I-IV-V progression.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Buddy Holly” begins with a classic IV-V-I progression in A Major, which creates a sense of resolution and strong tonal center. The first and second chords, A (I) and D/F# (IV6), serve as the harmonic foundation. The E (V) creates tension that is resolved when returning to the A (I). This progression repeats during the first three lines of the chorus.

The relatively simple chord progression is then enriched by the use of secondary dominants. For example, the F#m (vi) chord in the second line serves as a pivot chord, leading to the D (IV) and E (V) chords. As the progression moves toward the end of the chorus, the tension continues to build through the repetition of the A (I) – D (IV) – E (V) sequence.

In the last line, the progression momentarily shifts the focus to the relative minor key, F#m (vi), but quickly returns to the A major key through the use of the E (V) chord. The F#m (vi) chord creates a sense of momentary darkness, contrasting the generally bright and uplifting atmosphere of the song.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Buddy Holly” is a quintessential example of Weezer’s power-pop and alternative rock style. The clean and bright electric guitars, catchy hooks, and upbeat harmonies are hallmarks of this genre. The use of a common diatonic harmony and chords, combined with occasional borrowed chords, showcases a strong melodic sensibility, characteristic of Weezer’s sound.

Chords in the Chorus section of Buddy Holly by Weezer are:

A, D/F#, E, A, D/F#, E, F#m, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, A, D, E, A, F#m, E, F#m