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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 “[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’]” from the outro of Weezer’s “The Good Life” is a simple, yet effective progression in the key of E minor. It demonstrates a melancholic feel common to alternative rock and power-pop music genres of the 1990s. The chords in this progression are borrowed from the E natural minor scale.

This chord progression is from the song, “Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy” by Queen, which is known for its complex and intricate progressions. The song is set in the key of C major, and it features a mixture of triadic major and minor chords, dominant sevenths and the common use of borrowed and secondary dominant chords to create tension. This creates a lot of harmonic interest.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson demonstrates the use of extended and borrowed chords. The progression consists of a mix of diatonic chords and chords borrowed from the parallel minor, which is a characteristic of jazz and R&B music. The use of the Db/Eb also adds a layer of harmonic ambiguity that creates tension, enriching the overall sound of the piece.

“Here Comes The Sun” is written by George Harrison from The Beatles and it is a key example of the band’s flirtation with what is commonly referred to as Mixolydian mode. The piece showcases their skillful blending of folk idioms with contemporary pop sensibilities.

Weezer – California Kids – Chorus 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – A minor (ii) – E Major (V/vi) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – F Major (I)
G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – A minor (ii) – E Major (V/vi) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I)
F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I)

Wherein
“`E Major (V/vi)“` is a borrowed chord.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Toto – Africa
Chord Progression: B Major (I) – G#m (vi) – C# minor (ii) – E Major (IV) – F# Major (V) – F# Major (V) – E Major (IV) – E Major (IV)
2. The Beatles – Let It Be
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

In both examples, the chord progressions follow a similar pattern as found in California Kids, featuring a predominant (ii or vi) and dominant (IV or V) chord sequence that helps create movement and tension in the song.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts and ends with the tonic, F Major, providing a sense of resolution and stability. The A minor (ii) chord acts as a predominant, creating movement towards the E Major chord, which is a secondary dominant (V/vi) that resolves to A minor in a deceptive manner instead of the expected D minor (vi). This creates a more interesting sound and grabs the listeners’ attention. The G Major chord, functioning as a V/ii creates tension, which helps propel the song forward.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the chorus of California Kids by Weezer displays a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of F Major. The progression has a common pop-rock feel with some chromatic harmonic elements, bringing a more interesting and engaging effect to the listener.

Style Analysis

California Kids is a pop-rock song that features a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, giving it a unique yet familiar sound. The progression’s repetitiveness is common in pop music and can help make the song catchy and easy to remember. The E Major chord, a borrowed chord, adds a touch of chromaticism, which is often found in rock music, giving it an edge over a purely diatonic progression.

Chords in the Chorus 3 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

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