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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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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“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer features a simple yet effective chord progression in the interlude, using triadic chords and one altered chord (G6#9). The progression is in the key of G major and exhibits Weezer’s trademark alternative rock sound with a mix of pop sensibilities.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

“Kiss” by Prince is a classic example showcasing Prince’s unique and complex songwriting abilities. The song is written in the key of A major. The distinctive funk rock style is primarily expressed via dominant and suspended chords. This combined with Prince’s rhythmically tight and syncopated guitar playing gives the song its infectious groove.

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

Weezer – California Kids – Verse 2

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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.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

C, C/B, Am, G, F, G, C, Am, Am, F, G