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The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is a grunge rock song from their debut album, “Weezer (The Blue Album)” released in 1994. The chord progression in Verse 2 seems to blend elements from both pop and rock genres, with some diatonic chords and a borrowed chord that adds an unexpected twist.

The song “Killer Queen” by Queen is primarily set in the key of F Major, while the Chorus 1 is in the key of G Major. The song’s harmonic voice leading and progressions reveal a sophisticated and nuanced approach that involves a continuous change of tonal center and utilization of secondary dominant and borrowed chords.

“Castles Made of Sand” is a song by Jimi Hendrix, found on his 1967 album “Axis: Bold as Love.” The song is in the key of G major and features a chord progression that is both simple and innovative in its use of borrowed chords and voice leading. The progression can be seen as an indirect approach to the IV chord (C) which gives the progression a sense of unresolved tension. The overall sound of the song is characterized by its dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is an iconic psychedelic rock track marked with rich harmonies and sophisticated musical elements. The song is primarily constructed around the key of A, but it employs several modal mixtures and non-diatonic chords, contributing to its intriguing tonality.

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