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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.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is an alternative rock song with a memorable guitar riff and chord progression. The song features a dynamic structure with a mix of different sections, including the refrain, which we will analyze here. Written in the key of G major, the chord progression presents a mixture of chords from both the major and the minor modes, giving it an interesting and varied sound.

The chorus from Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” in the key of C major beautifully demonstrates a diverse range of chords and harmonic techniques. The chord progression incorporates diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and some unexpected harmonic twists, all of which work together to create a sense of emotional depth and tension throughout the chorus.

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.

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