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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.

C Major (I)

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C Major – This chord functions as the tonic chord (I) in the key of C Major.
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The “Like Clockwork” track by Queens of the Stone Age showcases a wide range of harmonic complexity. The track is in the key of F# minor and it is characterized by non-traditional chord progressions. From the range of chords used within the song, it’s clear that the song deviates from strict diatonic harmony, and freely borrows chords from parallel keys (modal mixture).

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic example of hard rock and blues rock, characterized by its driving rhythm, distorted guitar riff, and powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a focus on the blues-based E-D-E progression during the second chorus. Although seemingly basic, this progression contributes to the song’s raw, energetic vibe.

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The piece, ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins follows an overarching structure with a mix of major and minor chords, what stand out are the rich extended chords, ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’. The piece displays a balance between tonic chords and dominant chords, expressing a classic pop-rock style whilst frequent usage of maj7 chords adding a distinctive jazziness to the tune.

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Weezer – California Kids – Chorus 2

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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

The progression and overall style of “California Kids” is emblematic of power pop and pop-rock, which Weezer is known for. The inclusion of the V/vi (E major) borrowed chord adds emotional color and manages to balance familiarity with a slight sense of unpredictability.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

1. “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer
As a Weezer song, “Say It Ain’t So” shares a similar style and progression logic, with the verse chords being:
C#m (i) – G# (V) – A (VI) – E (III)

2. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
The progression in the verse shares a similar rhythmic structure and circular feel, with the chords being:
Cm (i) – G (III) – A# (VI) – Fm (iv) – G# (V)

3. “Drive” by Incubus
This song also has a progression that maintains resolution and tension, with the verse chords being:
Em7 (ii7) – Dmaj9 (I9) – Asus4 (IV)

Overall Analysis

The chorus maintains a feeling of resolution and tension by alternating between the IV (F major) and V (G major) chords, while the vi (A minor) to V/vi (E major) progression provides a smooth transition back to the IV chord (F major).

In terms of borrowed chords, the E Major is a borrowed chord.
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E major (V/vi)
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Style Analysis

Chords in the Chorus 2 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