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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.

The intro of “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a simple, yet effective chord progression in the key of C major. The progression starts on the tonic, moves to a first inversion of a G6 chord, followed by an A minor chord, and finally back to the first inversion of the G6 chord. The progression has a circular nature, which adds to the song’s catchiness and memorability.

The chord progression of the verse in Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To” uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of D Major. The use of the borrowed chord from the parallel minor key contributes to the unique sound of the progression.

“Weekend Wars” by MGMT features a distinctive and slightly unconventional chord progression. The verse is in D minor and consists of 22 chords, providing a unique and somewhat complex harmonic landscape. The majority of the chords used are diatonic, but there are also borrowed chords and other non-diatonic chords which contribute to the song’s unique character.

Chord Progression:
Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III)

Dm – D minor
C – C major
G – G major (borrowed chord)
F – F major
Am – A minor

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“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones is built around major tonality and uses direct and simple progressions. It also features what are known as additive chords (Gadd9) – chords to which notes are added beyond the common triad. The song commences in the key of G Major, indicated by the G, Gadd9, and C chords. These chords progress in an almost continual cyclical pattern across the verses. Here, the dominant chord (D) in the key of G Major is absent, which grants a tonal ambiguity to the song. Interestingly, the song takes a departure into a different key later on which will not be included in this analysis as it pertains to the Verse only.

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Weezer – Buddy Holly – Verse

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Chord Progression

F#m, E/G#, A, A, F#m, F#m, E/G#, A

Chord Progression Analysis

F#m (vi)
E/G# (V6/3)
A (I)
A (I)
F#m (vi)
F#m (vi)
E/G# (V6/3)
A (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Blink-182 – “All the Small Things”
Verse: C (I) G (V) F (IV) G (V)

2. Green Day – “When I Come Around”
Verse: G (I) D (V) E♭ (♭III) C (IV)

These songs also demonstrate the use of simple, diatonic chord progressions, with slight variations between them for unique flavors. This type of progression is found in many pop, rock, and alternative songs as it provides a solid foundation to build melodies and create memorable hooks.

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Buddy Holly” has a simple and straightforward chord progression, revolving around the I-vi-V progression, a common progression in pop and rock music. Beginning with the F#m chord, it establishes a minor feel that is quickly resolved to the major key of A by the E/G# and A chords, with the E/G# acting as the V6/3 chord, leading to the tonic chord A. The use of E/G# in a first inversion (notated as V6/3) adds extra tension and creates smooth voice leading. This pattern is repeated twice, creating a sense of familiarity and consistency within the verse.

Overall Analysis

“Buddy Holly” by Weezer is a power-pop/alternative rock song from their debut studio album “Weezer” (also known as the Blue Album) released in 1994. The verse chord progression features diatonic chords from the A major key, along with some inversions and techniques borrowed from other musical styles such as blues and rock.

Style Analysis

“Buddy Holly” is characterized by its catchy melodies and power-pop sound, with heavy guitar riffs, strong basslines and straightforward drum patterns. The use of inversions and root-position chords adds harmonic interest to the simple chord progression, while the steady rhythm, melody, and song structure make it accessible and memorable.

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

F#m, E/G#, A, A, F#m, F#m, E/G#, A