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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of Weezer’s song “Say It Ain’t So” can be analyzed as a simple and memorable chord progression in the key of C major. The progression features a repeating pattern of four chords: Am, E, F, and C.

“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.

The chord progression in the bridge of “Gone, Gone” by Tyler, The Creator can be described as a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key. The key of the song is F major, and the progression combines elements of pop, R&B, and jazz, creating a distinctive harmonic sound.

“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is highly complex and represents an exceptional use of harmonic structuring. The richness of the piece lies in Brian Wilson’s innovative and unpredictable songwriting, who was making significant use of modulation at the time, constantly shifting keys, in this case especially during the transition bridge.

With a Little Help from My Friends’ exists in a rich harmonic landscape typical of the Beatles. Here, we can see signature moves like mixing major/minor tonalities, borrowed chords, and unconventional harmonic progressions.

Weezer – Say It Aint So – Bridge

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Chord Progression

G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, Am, E, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – A minor (vi) – E major (V/ii) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`Eb major (bIII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord progression: G major (I) – B major (III) – C major (IV) – Cm (iv)

2. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Chord progression: E minor (i) – G major (III) – C major (VI) – A major (IV) – F major (II)

In these examples, the chord progressions also utilize borrowed chords and chromatic harmony, giving the songs a similar sense of tension and unpredictability.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in the bridge mainly employs diatonic chords like G major, C major, and A minor. However, the Eb major chord is borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor) and creates a chromatic twist in the harmony. The slash chords such as G/F# add a stepwise bass motion that contributes to a smooth and interesting harmonic progression.

The gradual movement from the G major to G/F# displays an example of chromaticism and helps connect the IV chord smoothly to the I chord. Additionally, the E major chord towards the end can be analyzed as a secondary dominant (V/ii), which resolves to the F major chord before resolving back to the tonic.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an intriguing chord progression, which presents both diatonic and borrowed chords, as well as chromatic harmony. The song’s key is C major, but it touches on the parallel minor key and incorporates unusual chords such as the Eb major chord, which adds tension and surprise. The chord progression and harmonic rhythm are fairly consistent throughout the bridge, creating a sense of unity.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” bridge exemplifies the band’s alternative rock sound, incorporating some traditional components of pop-rock harmony while also exploring more experimental territory. The unexpected chords create a sense of tension and unpredictability that is a hallmark of Weezer’s music. The chord progression’s simplicity and repetitiveness make it a great example of what makes Weezer’s songwriting style unique.

Chords in the Bridge section of Say It Aint So by Weezer are:

G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, Am, E, F, C