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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“California Kids” by Weezer is a pop rock song with influences from alternative and power pop. The chord progression in Verse 2 shows a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords, which contributes to a slight sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression. The chords in the verse also exhibit movement by step (C to C/B) and a mixture of major and minor tonalities.

“Buddy Holly” is a song by Weezer with an upbeat, pop-rock feel. It exists in the key of A major and showcases a recurring chord progression in its verse consisting of F#m, E/G#, and A.

The chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth chord progression that explores both diatonic and borrowed chords, creating a sophisticated sound that is characteristic of the jazz and R&B styles prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The progression is comprised of chords that stem from the Fm7 key but also includes a borrowed Dbmaj7 chord.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles is in the minor mode and its chord progression showcases rich harmonic content and unexpected key changes, common to The Beatles’ music. Harmonically, it features an interesting mixture of chords from the parallel major and minor keys, which is indicative of modal interchange, a key characteristic of The Beatles’ songwriting.

“Time To Pretend” by MGMT features a non-conventional and interesting chord progression. The progression can be primarily analyzed in the key of D Major with a brief modulation to the relative minor (F#m). The chords are not sophisticated in terms of extensions, but the arrangement and harmonic movement provide a unique and memorable melody. This chorus is an example of diatonic and modal mixture, using chords not only from the primary key but also borrowing chords from other modes.

Weezer – California Kids – Chorus 1

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Chord Progression

F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F

Chord Progression Analysis

F Major (I), G Major (V/iii), A Minor (iii), E Major (V/vi), E Major (V/vi), F Major (I), G Major (V/iii), F Major (I), F Major (I), G Major (V/iii), F Major (I), G Major (V/iii), A Minor (iii), E Major (V/vi), E Major (V/vi), F Major (I), G Major (V/iii), F Major (I)

Borrowed Chord: E Major (V/vi)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Green Day – “Basket Case”
Chords: Bb Major (I), Eb Major (IV), G Major (V/iii), Cm Major (ii), E Major (V/vi)

2. The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun”
Chords: D Major (I), G Major (IV), A Major (V), F#m Major (iii), E Major (V/vi), D Major (I)

In both examples, you can observe that the borrowed V/vi chord (E Major in both cases) is used to create the same tension and harmonic interest as found in the “California Kids” chorus. The chords also showcase a mix of major and minor tonalities, which contribute to the overall pop-rock sound.

Musical Analysis

The progression is in the key of F major, and it starts with a simple I-V/iii-iii motion before introducing the borrowed chord – E major (V/vi) – which adds some harmonic interest and tension. This E major chord is a secondary dominant, as it leads to the vi (A minor) chord, and it is borrowed from the parallel F harmonic minor scale. This combination of diatonic and borrowed chords adds color and ear-catching appeal to the progression.

The chords then cycle through various repetitions of the F Major and G Major chords, emphasizing the major tonality of the song before returning to the A minor and E major chords, re-establishing that harmonic interest and desire for resolution. The progression ends with the F Major (I) chord, providing a strong resolution to the overall chord sequence.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of “California Kids” by Weezer features an interesting mix of primarily diatonic chords, with some borrowed chords and chromaticism. The chord progression has a pop-rock feel, with uplifting major and minor chords, and the use of the E major chords adds tension and intrigue.

Style Analysis

The chord progression in “California Kids” can be seen as emblematic of Weezer’s style. The pop-rock sensibilities come with their usage of catchy, diatonic chords with added tension from borrowed and secondary dominant chords. The E major chord, in particular, gives the song a distinctive flair and adds a bittersweet feel in the context of the F major key.

Chords in the Chorus 1 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, E, F, G, F