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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 of the chorus of California Kids by Weezer displays a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of F Major. The progression has a common pop-rock feel with some chromatic harmonic elements, bringing a more interesting and engaging effect to the listener.

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” features an interesting mixture of diatonic and chromatic chords with noticeable tonal shifts. The progression is G – A# – Am – C – G – A# – Am – C, with an emphasis on the G major key. This progression conveys an expressive and slightly unstable mood, creating tension and release with the inclusion of borrowed and non-diatonic chords.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

Weezer – The Good Life – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7

Chord Progression Analysis

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G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – E major (V/vi) – G major (I) – D major (V) – A minor (ii) – B7 (V/vi°)

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E major (V/vi) is borrowed from the parallel minor (G minor)
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Similar Chord Progressions

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1. Radiohead – “Creep”:
G major (I) – B major (V/vi) – C major (IV) – C minor (iv)

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
C major (IV) – E major (V/vi) – A minor (ii) – G major (I) – D major (V) – E major (V/vi) – F# minor (iii) – D major (V)

3. The Beatles – “Something”:
C major (I) – C major 7 (I7) – C7 (I7) – F major (IV) – E major (V/vi) – A minor (vi) – A minor 7 (vi7) – D7 (V7)

All three songs feature similar elements like borrowed chords (E major as V/vi) or the use of diatonic chords in their progressions.

Musical Analysis

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The progression uses a combination of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord to create a sense of tension and resolution. The E major chord (V/vi) is borrowed from the parallel minor key (G minor) and serves as a secondary dominant, intensifying the resolution to the following G major chord (I). The E major chord can also be seen as a chromatic mediant relationship with the A minor (ii) chord, adding more color and interest to the progression. The D major (V) and A minor (ii) chords provide a sense of stability in the progression, anchoring it in the key of G major.

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Overall Analysis

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The given chord progression is from the verse 3 of the song “The Good Life” by Weezer. The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor).

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Style Analysis

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The song “The Good Life” by Weezer is part of their alternative rock style, which is known for its power chords and catchy melodies. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, contributing to a rich and engaging harmonic landscape. This use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants is common in various genres like rock, pop, and jazz, giving music a sense of tension, surprise, and depth.

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Chords in the Verse 3 section of The Good Life by Weezer are:

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7