Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression from the intro of “Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is in the key of G Major and features an interesting mix of chords with an alternative rock flavor. The progression includes a non-diatonic chord (G6#9) and has a nice balance of tension and resolution, giving the song a memorable sound.

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.

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is an experimental and atmospheric electronic song, released on the album “Kid A” in 2000. The chord progression of the chorus is fairly simple, yet features some distinctive chords which create a sense of tension and release. It incorporates modal mixture and chromatic mediants, which are typical elements found in Radiohead’s music.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

The chorus of Muse’s “Hysteria” displays a mix of chords from the key of C Major and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor). The chord progression uses a combination of functional harmony mixed with chromatic elements, embodying characteristics of both rock and classical genres.

Weezer – Undone The Sweater Song – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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

“`
G5 (I) – C (IV) – D (V) – C (IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“`
F5 (I) – Bb5 (IV) – Ab5 (♭III) – Db5 (♭VI)
“`

2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
“`
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