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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 “[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’]” from the outro of Weezer’s “The Good Life” is a simple, yet effective progression in the key of E minor. It demonstrates a melancholic feel common to alternative rock and power-pop music genres of the 1990s. The chords in this progression are borrowed from the E natural minor scale.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” is a complex and somewhat unconventional progression. It primarily features chords from the E natural minor scale, with some borrowed chords from the parallel E major scale. The progression creates an atmospheric and moody soundscape that is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music, especially in their album “Wish You Were Here.” It also displays a certain level of sophistication in the harmony which underscores Pink Floyd’s musical depth.

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a popular song from the mid-60s that features a mix of major and minor chords along with modulations between closely related keys. The overall harmonic structure shares similarities with other rock and pop songs of that era, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Base Key and

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is one of the excellent examples of the unique and complex style popular in the late 1960’s. It is in the key of E and further progresses to F# minor. The progression utilizes modal interchange, chromaticism, and unusual chord progressions to create a dreamlike and psychedelic landscape that perfectly suits the lyrical theme of the song.

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