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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 chord progression in the outro of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” follows a repeating pattern with a combination of major and power chords. The overall key of the progression is G major, and the chords follow a predictable pattern that is rooted in rock and alternative music styles. The chord progression uses borrowed chords from the parallel key of G minor, specifically the B♭ major chord.

The chord progression in Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” showcases the band’s unique style of blending chord progressions from different key centers, as well as their tendency to use borrowed chords. The progression consists largely of diatonic chords from the key of C# minor, but also features a few borrowed chords from D# minor and the parallel major key, C# Major.

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is a song with an alternative rock/electronic style, featuring an unusual chord progression that effectively creates a sense of tension and instability while still maintaining a familiar and consonant tonality. This can be attributed to the band’s creative use of borrowed chords and harmonic movement.

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a chord progression that is stereotypical of the genre. The verse and chorus unfold in the key of E minor, with the verse using primarily a cycle of Em7 and Am7. In terms of musical mood and expressivity, the progression conveys a melancholic yet energetic feeling, which is characteristic of the rock genre.

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