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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Buddy Holly” by Weezer is a power-pop/alternative rock song from their debut studio album “Weezer” (also known as the Blue Album) released in 1994. The verse chord progression features diatonic chords from the A major key, along with some inversions and techniques borrowed from other musical styles such as blues and rock.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a classic and iconic rock song released in 1971, as part of their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. The song is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, featuring an intricate chord progression, a memorable melody, and folk-inspired acoustic guitar work. The verse you provided is the second verse of the song, which shares a similar, but not identical chord progression to the other verses. The song is in the key of A minor, and the chord progression showcases a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, along with a couple of chromatic alterations.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

Weezer – Say It Aint So – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

A minor (i) – E Major (V) – F Major (bVI) – C Major (III)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead

G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C minor (iv)

2. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

E minor (i) – C Major (VI) – G Major (III) – D Major (VII)

Musical Analysis

The verse chord progression cycles through the pattern above three times. The first chord progression in the verse is a common i-V progression in a minor key, adding tension to the music. The F Major and C Major chords that follow add a bit of color and surprise, as they are borrowed chords from the parallel major (A Major) and the relative major (C Major), respectively, creating a chromatic, non-diatonic progression. These borrowed chords give a feeling of yearning and unresolved tension, which contributes to the melancholy feel of the verse.

Overall Analysis

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is an alternative rock song with a sense of melancholy in the verse and a catchy, anthemic chorus. The verse chords, which you provided, create a strong sense of movement and harmonic interest by using borrowed chords and a combination of diatonic and chromatic chord progressions.

Style Analysis

As mentioned before, “Say It Ain’t So” is an alternative rock song that heavily features distorted guitars and powerful drumming. The combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chord progressions, along with the use of borrowed chords, contributes to the unique sound of the song and sets it apart from typical pop and rock songs. The melancholic tone of the verses contrasts with the more uplifting and anthemic choruses, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Say It Aint So by Weezer are:

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