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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the outro of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” follows a repeating pattern with a combination of major and power chords. The overall key of the progression is G major, and the chords follow a predictable pattern that is rooted in rock and alternative music styles. The chord progression uses borrowed chords from the parallel key of G minor, specifically the B♭ major chord.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

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.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a chorus that uses a sophisticated and intricate chord progression to drive the emotional depth and thematic elements of the song. This progression combines inversions and extensions to create a layered and textured musical atmosphere, reflecting the complexity of the song’s lyrics and enhancing its reflective nature.

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

Weezer – Undone The Sweater Song – Chorus

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Chord Progression

G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G5 (I): G – D
C (IV): C – E – G
D (V): D – F# – A

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G5 (I) – C (IV) – D (V) – C (IV)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
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F5 (I) – Bb5 (IV) – Ab5 (♭III) – Db5 (♭VI)
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2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
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Em7 (ii7) – G (I) – Dsus4 (V) – A7sus4 (IV)
“`

These two examples are songs that also have chord progressions commonly found in alternative rock of the same era. While they don’t have the exact same progression as “Undone – The Sweater Song,” they exhibit similar use of power chords and simple, repetitive patterns. This makes them a good reference for understanding the musical style and context of Weezer’s progression.

Musical Analysis

In the key of G major, the chords in the chorus are made up of the I, IV, and V chords, which are the most common chords in any major key. The use of power chords, denoted by the 5, adds some ambiguity to the harmonic structure of the song because they lack the third of the chord, making them neither major nor minor. This results in a more rock-centered sound, which is common in indie and alternative rock genres.

Overall Analysis

“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer features a chorus with a simple, yet effective chord progression that combines the use of power chords with major chords. This combination gives the song its distinctive indie rock sound and contributes to its overall catchiness. The chorus is based on a four-chord progression with three different chords, where G5 power chord is followed by two major chords, C and D.

Style Analysis

Weezer, and many other alternative rock bands from the 90s, often use power chords in their music as they create a more raw, unpolished sound that complements their style. The simple and repetitive nature of the chord progression is typical for alt-rock and indie rock songs. It provides a catchy yet melancholic foundation for the lyrics and melody of the chorus.

Chords in the Chorus section of Undone The Sweater Song by Weezer are:

G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C, G5, C, D, C