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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 acoustic outro of “My Name is Jonas” features a simple and catchy five-chord progression which follows a predominantly major tonality with a touch of minor tonality. The loop creates a memorable and recognizable melody that is widely associated with Weezer’s popularity in the alternative rock scene during the ’90s.

“Tiny Dancer” is an iconic song by Elton John from his 1971 album Madman Across the Water. Written in the key of C Major, it genre-wise fits the mold of pop music from the early 1970s. Structurally, the song displays unique nuances, especially in its pre-chorus, which shifts the tonal center and incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel minor scales.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane uses a handful of straightforward major and minor chords which contribute to a pop, atmospheric, and emotive sound indicative of the band’s alternative rock aesthetic. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is fairly common and creates a cyclical and slightly unsettled feel that fits well with the song’s lyrical themes of uncertainty and longing for return.

Weezer – Buddy Holly – Pre-Chorus

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Chord Progression

D, C#m, F#m, D, C#m, F#m, D, Dm

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (IV), C# Minor (vi), F# Minor (vi), D Major (IV), C# Minor (vi), F# Minor (vi), D Major (IV), D Minor (iv)

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Borrowed Chord: D Minor (iv)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Green Day – “When I Come Around”
Chord Progression: G Major (IV), D Minor (vi), C Major (V), E Minor (ii)

2. Blink-182 – “All The Small Things”
Chord Progression: C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), G Major (V)

Musical Analysis

The pre-chorus begins with a D major chord, creating a sense of tension by moving away from the tonic A major. The subsequent C# minor chord serves as a relative minor of the E major, which is the dominant chord in the key of A major. This builds anticipation for a resolution back to the tonic that is eventually satisfied by the repeated use of F# minor chords. The progression ends with a return to the D major chord, followed by the borrowed D minor chord, which adds an unexpected and intriguing twist that increases the catchiness and memorability of the song.

Overall Analysis

This pre-chorus from Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” features an eight-chord progression in the key of A major. It includes a borrowed chord (Dm) from the parallel minor key (A minor). The harmonic movement consists of alternating D major and C# minor chords, followed by F# minor chords, before returning to the D major root and finally resolving with the borrowed Dm chord. This progression contributes to the energetic, catchy, and upbeat style of the song.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” falls within the genre of alternative rock – specifically, power-pop. The energetic and upbeat chord progression is characteristic of this style, along with the use of electric guitar-driven riffs and catchy hooks. The harmony employs simple diatonic chords and includes a borrowed chord (Dm) to add some variation and maintain listener interest, which is another hallmark of power-pop music.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Buddy Holly by Weezer are:

D, C#m, F#m, D, C#m, F#m, D, Dm