Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

“Weezer – Island In The Sun (Bridge)” is a relatively simple yet melodically impactful chord progression that utilizes a mixture of major and minor chords. The song is in the key of G major, and the bridge follows a (V – I) D-G progression initially, before moving to the IV (C) and ii (Am) chords. The harmonic rhythm of the bridge creates a sense of resolution and adds emotional depth to the song.

**

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones is built around major tonality and uses direct and simple progressions. It also features what are known as additive chords (Gadd9) – chords to which notes are added beyond the common triad. The song commences in the key of G Major, indicated by the G, Gadd9, and C chords. These chords progress in an almost continual cyclical pattern across the verses. Here, the dominant chord (D) in the key of G Major is absent, which grants a tonal ambiguity to the song. Interestingly, the song takes a departure into a different key later on which will not be included in this analysis as it pertains to the Verse only.

**

**

“Blackbird” by The Beatles is a song mostly in the key of G Major. It’s known for its interesting guitar work and unconventional chord progression. The song employs a mix of functional and non-functional harmony, striking a balance between traditional diatonic harmony and more experimental harmonic ideas. The chord progression also includes several chromatic or borrowed chords (Cm, Dbdim, D# (b5), C#dim, and Ebaug).

**

This chord progression from the verse of Tame Impala’s “Alter Ego” suggests a key of C major due to the recurring instances of Cmaj7. However, the presence of certain chords like Bm7 and Dm suggests that Kevin Parker is creatively “borrowing” chords from the parallel and associated keys (C minor, D minor) to create colorful departures from the primary tonality. The use of extended chords (7ths) and suspended chords (Bsus4) adds a sense of complexity and sophistication to the harmony. As can be seen, the chord progression mostly oscillates between Cmaj7, Bsus4, Bm7 before moving to Dm and Gm towards the end of the verse.

Weezer – If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To – Verse

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

Chord Progression

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D

Chord Progression Analysis

D (I) – Bm (vi) – G (IV) – Bb (`bVI`) – A (V) – D (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’]
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – `Cm (iv)`

2. The Beatles – “Something” [‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘`Fm`’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
C (I) – Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C7 (V7/IV) – F (IV) – `Fm (iv)` – C (I) – G (V) – C (I)

The chord progressions in these songs also feature borrowed chords from their respective parallel minor keys, adding interesting harmonic twists to otherwise simple chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The verse features a six-chord progression that starts with the tonic chord D major (I). It then moves to B minor (vi), acting as a predominant, followed by G major (IV), a subdominant that strengthens the predominant function. The fourth chord in the progression, Bb major (`bVI`), is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (D minor), introducing a chromatic element that adds some tension and interest. Following the borrowed chord, the progression goes to A major (V), which is the dominant to resolve back to the tonic D major (I).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the verse in Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To” uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of D Major. The use of the borrowed chord from the parallel minor key contributes to the unique sound of the progression.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s music is known for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics, often drawing from rock, punk, and power-pop influences. The use of borrowed chords in this progression, such as the `bVI` chord, adds color, and creates a mix of familiarity and novelty that keeps the listener engaged. This is a common technique in rock and pop music to make the harmony more interesting.

Chords in the Verse section of If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To by Weezer are:

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D