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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“California Kids” by Weezer is a pop rock song with influences from alternative and power pop. The chord progression in Verse 2 shows a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords, which contributes to a slight sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression. The chords in the verse also exhibit movement by step (C to C/B) and a mixture of major and minor tonalities.

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is an experimental and ambient piece released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The piece defies traditional pop and rock song forms, delving more into the territory of electronic and experimental music. The outro chord progression is simple but intriguing, serving a hypnotic and unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

“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