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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.

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.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.

“Hurt” is a song written and composed by Trent Reznor, best known for its version covered by Johnny Cash in C major. The song employs a commonly used pop/rock chord progression (vi- IV- I- V), that aids the conveyance of the theme of regret and redemption. The use of the minor vi chord (Am) as the starting point of the progression provides a very melancholy feel that aligns with the overall tone of regret in the lyrics. The progression then moves to a major IV (F), suggestive of a brief glimpse of hope or relief, before settling into the home key of C. The progression rounds off with a V chord (G), propelling the sequence back to the beginning again, giving a cyclic, repeating, and enduring feel to the music.

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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