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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.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

The bridge of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple two-chord progression. However, this simplicity allows space for an interesting interplay between melody and harmony while still evoking strong emotions. Despite being simple, the progression still manages to create a sense of tension and resolution.

The chord progression from the bridge of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” is in the key of A major. The progression presents a strong sense of tonality and features common rock/pop techniques, such as diatonic chord progressions, inversions, and the use of the minor subdominant.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a well-known song that features a fairly simple chord progression in its bridge. The progression is memorable for its fusion of diatonic and chromatic elements, creating a sense of tension and interest.

Weezer – The Good Life – Bridge

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Chord Progression

Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D

Chord Progression Analysis

1. A minor (vi)
2. D Major (V/IV)
3. G Major (I)
4. E minor (vi)
5. A minor (vi)
6. D Major (V/IV)
7. G Major (I)
8. E minor (vi)
9. A minor (vi)
10. D Major (V/IV)

Borrowed Chord:
“`
D Major (V/IV) – Borrowed from G Mixolydian mode
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” (1993)
Chord Progression: [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘Cm’] = G Major (I), B Major (III), C Major (IV), C minor (iv)

2. Oasis – “Don’t Look Back in Anger” (1995)
Chord Progression: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’] = C Major (I), G Major (V), A minor (vi), E Major (V/vi), F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I), A minor (vi), G Major (V)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with the vi chord (A minor), creating a feeling of tension, which is resolved by the following V/IV (D Major) chord. This creates a sense of propulsion towards the G Major (I) chord. The progression then repeats, providing a strong sense of forward momentum. By incorporating the D Major borrowed chord, Weezer adds a touch of chromaticism, which enriches the overall sound of the progression.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

Style Analysis

The use of both diatonic and borrowed chords is common in Weezer’s music, reflecting their blend of alternative rock and power pop elements. These chords create a sense of catchiness and familiarity, which is a large part of their style. The balance between simple and complex harmonic elements is also a hallmark of Weezer’s sound.

Chords in the Bridge section of The Good Life by Weezer are:

Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D