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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.

“Weezer – Island In The Sun (Bridge)” is a relatively simple yet melodically impactful chord progression that utilizes a mixture of major and minor chords. The song is in the key of G major, and the bridge follows a (V – I) D-G progression initially, before moving to the IV (C) and ii (Am) chords. The harmonic rhythm of the bridge creates a sense of resolution and adds emotional depth to the song.

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“Blackbird” by The Beatles is a song mostly in the key of G Major. It’s known for its interesting guitar work and unconventional chord progression. The song employs a mix of functional and non-functional harmony, striking a balance between traditional diatonic harmony and more experimental harmonic ideas. The chord progression also includes several chromatic or borrowed chords (Cm, Dbdim, D# (b5), C#dim, and Ebaug).

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“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age employs multiple chords which creates a complex and engaging harmony in the verse. The song is in the key G# major and it uses multiple borrowed chords from other keys. It’s worth noting that Queens of the Stone Age has a distinct sound that incorporates elements of stoner rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock into their material. Sizeable use of power chords that gives the song its heavy rock feel.

“After You’ve Gone” is a jazz standard composed by Django Reinhardt. The verse progression of the song uses a combination of major, minor and dominant chords with some borrowed chords and secondary dominants, which is a hallmark of early jazz and swing music. The harmonic rhythm is mainly at a pace of one or two chords per bar, with occasional faster changes. The piece has a strong sense of tonal center around the key of G major.

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