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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.

The chord progression from the intro of “Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is in the key of G Major and features an interesting mix of chords with an alternative rock flavor. The progression includes a non-diatonic chord (G6#9) and has a nice balance of tension and resolution, giving the song a memorable sound.

“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.

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“The Smashing Pumpkins” in the song ‘1979’ has used a somewhat unconventional yet memorable chord progression, particularly in the bridge section. This progression creates a certain mood and melodic texture befitting the song’s laid-back yet emotionally resonant feel.

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“Somebody To Love” by Queen is a classic rock ballad in the key of G major, drawing heavily from influences of gospel music and blues progressions. Its bridge, aside from the characteristic gospel and rock elements, includes a modulating progression that is particularly interesting due to its use of borrowed chords, which adds contrast and emphasizes the emotive quality of the song.

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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