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“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is a grunge rock song from their debut album, “Weezer (The Blue Album)” released in 1994. The chord progression in Verse 2 seems to blend elements from both pop and rock genres, with some diatonic chords and a borrowed chord that adds an unexpected twist.

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.

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

The chord progression in the outro of Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of F# major. This progression creates a smooth and somewhat jazzy feel in the music, with the inclusion of a few unexpected chords that add tension and propel the music forward.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

Weezer – Undone The Sweater Song – Outro

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

– G5 (I5)
– C (IV)
– D (V)
– C (IV)
– B♭ (‘♭III’ – borrowed chord from G minor)
– G5-C-D-C-B♭ (repeat)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”:
– G (I)
– B (III)
– C (IV)
– Cm (‘iv’ – borrowed chord from G minor)

2. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
– C (I)
– G (V)
– A♭ (‘♭VI’ – borrowed chord from C minor)
– F (IV)

3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
– Em (ii)
– G (I)
– D (V)
– A (IV)
– C (‘♭VII’ – borrowed chord from E minor)

These three examples showcase a similar approach to using borrowed chords, providing a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords to create tension, color, and harmonic interest in their respective songs.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with a G5 power chord (I5) that sets the tonal center of G major. This is followed by C major (IV) and D major (V), both diatonic chords in the key of G. The repetition of IV (C) and the use of a borrowed chord, B♭ major (♭III), from the parallel key of G minor add tension and variety to the progression. The outro alternates between these five chords, providing a sense of familiarity and unity, while still including enough variation to keep the listener engaged.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The usage of power chords (G5) is very common in both rock and alternative styles. Bands like Weezer frequently utilize this technique to achieve a fuller guitar sound with an increased emphasis on the sonic texture. This chord progression also highlights the influence of the I-IV-V progression, which is a common feature in popular music. The borrowed chord (♭III) adds a touch of modal mixture, which is also commonly found in various genres in popular music.

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

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