Music Theory Alchemy

Search

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.

The chorus of Weezer’s song “Say It Ain’t So” can be analyzed as a simple and memorable chord progression in the key of C major. The progression features a repeating pattern of four chords: Am, E, F, and C.

The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.

Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):

The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)

Borrowed Chord:

G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

Weezer – Buddy Holly – Pre-Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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)

“`
Borrowed Chord: D Minor (iv)
“`

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