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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The interlude piece from Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an eight-chord progression in the key of C major, with prevalent use of Roman numeral notation and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales. This progression is typical in rock and pop music, representing Weezer’s alternative rock style.

“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.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a Beatles song composed in the key of D Major. It’s a classic example of Paul McCartney’s knack for catchy pop songwriting. This song showcases McCartney’s affinity for borrowing chords to make his progressions more interesting.

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“Here Comes the Sun” written by The Beatles is a seminal work from the Beatles’ output in pop music. The piece is composed in a modified strophic form with a circular pattern augmented with a repetitive and distinct bridge that modulates in key. The use of major chords and open voicings gives the song a sunny and positive feel, hence its title. It’s also notable for its mixed use of diatonic and borrowed chords, contributing to its unique sound.

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“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

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