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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.

The chord progression in the chorus of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” is in the key of A major and has a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords. Overall, it has a distinct and memorable pop-rock feel, with a strong hook and melodic quality. Through its use of secondary dominants, the progression creates tension and release, pushing the harmony forward in a compelling manner.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

This chord progression is in the key of Am. The work can be seen as a mix of the Western tonal harmony, incorporating the use of inversions alongside nondiatonic chords. Tame Impala employs the elements of neo-psychedelia with unique chord progressions and arrangements. The alteration between two chords creates a revolving feeling, reinforcing the title “alter ego”.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

Weezer – Say It Aint So – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

Am (vi) – E (V/vi) – F (IV) – C (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

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

2. Green Day – “When I Come Around”
Chord Progression: G (I) – D (V) – Em (vi) – C (IV)

3. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
Chord Progression: Em (ii) – G (IV) – Am (vi) – Em (ii)

4. The Cranberries – “Zombie”
Chord Progression: Em (iii) – C (I) – G (V) – D (ii)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts on the vi (Am) chord, which serves as the relative minor to the tonic C major. This creates a darker, more introspective sound to the chorus. The next chord is E (V/vi), which can be seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel harmonic minor key (A harmonic minor).

“` Borrowed Chord: E (V/vi) “`

This introduces a greater sense of tension, which is then resolved to the F (IV) chord. Finally, the C (I) tonic chord resolves the progression and brings it back to the major sound. The repeating nature of this progression creates a sense of familiarity, while the interplay between the minor and major chords lends the progression its emotional depth.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” is a rock song with a grunge influence, characterized by its distorted guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. The style of this progression, with its somber start on the vi chord and use of a borrowed chord to create tension, contributes to the overall mood of the song. The simple, diatonic nature of the progression is also reminiscent of traditional pop songwriting.

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

Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C, Am, E, F, C