Weezer – California Kids – Verse 2
California Kids < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, C/B, Am, G, F, G, C, Am, Am, F, G
Chord Progression Analysis
Here’s the full chord progression with their complete names and Roman numeral analysis:
C Major (I) – C/B (I6) – A minor (vi) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V)
There are no borrowed chords in this progression.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis (Verse):
A Major (I) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – G Major (bVII) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – G Major (bVII)
2. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (Pre-Chorus):
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V)
3. “Yellow” by Coldplay (Verse):
A Major (I) – A Major (I) – A Major (I) – E Major (V/V) – G Major (IV) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV) – D Major (IV)
Musical Analysis
The chord progression in Verse 2 of “California Kids” displays a nice balance of consonance and dissonance, drawing from the diatonic chords of the C Major scale. The use of stepwise motion from C Major to C/B creates a smooth connection, while the A minor chord contributes a sense of melancholy. The G Major and F Major chords bring brightness and power, with the F Major chord adding a sense of resolution before returning to the tonic, C Major.
The alternating use of major and minor chords, as well as the movement from the tonic to the subdominant (C to F), creates a sense of wide-ranging emotion and dynamic shift in the chords. Additionally, the repetition of A minor and the F Major to G Major chords emphasizes important moments and motifs in the song.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“California Kids” features a style characteristic of Weezer’s signature sound, which includes a blend of pop rock, alternative rock, and power pop elements. The chord progression is quite accessible and appealing, maintaining a certain level of simplicity often found in pop music. At the same time, the presence of minor chords and stepwise motion hints at the more intricate aspects of alternative rock and power pop genres.
What are the chords in: Weezer – California Kids – Verse 2?
C, C/B, Am, G, F, G, C, Am, Am, F, G
