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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Perfect Situation” by Weezer is a pop-rock song that follows a standard verse-chorus format, with a strong focus on melody and harmony. The song is in the key of G major, and the chord progression provided is for the second verse. It features a simple, yet effective progression that creates a sense of movement and tension before resolving back to the tonic chord. This gives the song a very engaging, classic pop/rock feel.

This pre-chorus from Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” features an eight-chord progression in the key of A major. It includes a borrowed chord (Dm) from the parallel minor key (A minor). The harmonic movement consists of alternating D major and C# minor chords, followed by F# minor chords, before returning to the D major root and finally resolving with the borrowed Dm chord. This progression contributes to the energetic, catchy, and upbeat style of the song.

“Miss You” by The Rolling Stones is in the key of A minor. The main chord progression in the song is quite consistent — Am, Dm, Am, Am, Dm, Am, Am, Dm — with some variations in the bridge. The song’s chord progression is bluesy in nature, given the usage of minor chords and the parallel movement. In particular, the usage of E, the V chord in A Minor, gives a resolution back to the root chord (Am), which gives the song a sense of tension and release.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

Weezer – Perfect Situation – Bridge

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Chord Progression

Em, Bm, C, D, Em, Bm, C, D

Chord Progression Analysis

E minor (i) – B minor (iv) – C major (VII) – D major (VIII)
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Em (i) – Bm (iv) – C (∨II) – D (∨III)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Green Day – “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
E minor (i) – C major (VII) – G major (III) – D major (VIII)
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Em (i) – C (∨II) – G (∨III) – D (∨III)
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2. Nirvana – “Come As You Are”
E minor (i) – G major (III) – D major (VIII) – A major (IV)
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Em (i) – G (∨III) – D (∨III) – A (∨I)
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3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
E minor (i) – G major (III) – D major (VIII) – A7 (IV7)
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Em (i) – G (∨III) – D (∨III) – A7 (∨I7)
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These songs share similarities with the chord progression found in the bridge of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer, using a mix of major and minor chords, and with some chords borrowed from parallel modes or other related keys. The blend of tension and resolution and the use of Dorian elements make these progressions engaging and contribute to the overall appeal of the songs in the rock and alternative genres.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression features the tonic E minor chord, providing a sense of resolution. The B minor chord functions as the subdominant (iv) and adds a flavor of tension and melancholy to the progression. The C major and D major chords are borrowed from the E Dorian mode, which gives a more uplifting and bright sound compared to standard E Aeolian mode. These two chords lead back to the E minor chord, providing a sense of resolution in the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Perfect Situation” by Weezer is a rock song with a combination of major and minor chords, giving it a feeling of both tension and resolution. The chord progression in the bridge features a i-iv-VII-VIII pattern in the key of E minor, which is common in rock and pop music. The bridge consists mainly of triads with some possible extensions or added notes depending on how they are voiced.

Style Analysis

The bridge of “Perfect Situation” showcases Weezer’s ability to craft catchy melodies and progressions that are typical of alternative rock and power-pop styles. The use of the E Dorian mode helps create an uplifting sound that contrasts with some of the darker tones found in the verses and remains a staple in the band’s music. This blend of major and minor chords also adds variety and interest to their songwriting.

Chords in the Bridge section of Perfect Situation by Weezer are:

Em, Bm, C, D, Em, Bm, C, D