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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.

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.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a popular and iconic song that showcases Jeff Buckley’s unique vocal talent and emotional delivery. The song is in the key of C major and features a simple yet effective chord progression. The song’s memorable melody is accompanied by guitar, which uses arpeggiated fingerpicking. This adds to its musical depth and also creates dynamic rhythmic interest. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, and this, along with the powerful lyrics, contributes to the overall emotional impact of the piece.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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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