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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is primarily based on a simple alternation between two chords, Bbmaj7 and Am7, with a brief excursion to Gm7 before returning to Am7. The simplicity and repetition of the progression creates a feeling of comfort and stability, while the use of major 7th and minor 7th chords adds a touch of sophistication and smoothness. The progression doesn’t follow a traditional functional harmony, but it effectively supports the melody and the overall vibe of the song.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” can be characterized as a mixture of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities. The verse progression features major and minor seventh chords, a few borrowed chords, and a prominent chromatic movement.

Chord progression analysis (including borrowed chords)
1. F#maj7 (I)
2. F#maj7/B (I6)
3. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
4. G#m7 (iii7)
5. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)
6. F#maj7 (I)
7. F#maj7/B (I6)
8. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
9. G#m7 (iii7)
10. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)

The chord progression starts with the tonic F#maj7 and moves through a first inversion of the same chord (F#maj7/B) before introducing borrowed chords (Fmaj7 and D7#5) from the parallel minor key, creating tension and color. The G#m7 is a diatonic iii7 chord, adding to the jazzy feel of the song.

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique and colorful chord progression, blending major and minor tonalities in a way that creates tension and a sense of longing. The verse consists of a 12-chord progression that builds upon the foundation of the major key of C, even though it starts with the IV chord (F), which contributes to the song’s unusual character. The progression includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor and elements specific to Hendrix’s own style, making it a remarkable piece in terms of its harmonic complexity and eclecticism.

“Paint It Black” plays with minor tonality, which isn’t extremely common in rock and roll music of the era. The song is in the key of E minor and uses the chords Em, B, D, G, and A. The verse has an interesting use of harmonies, incorporating the minor i, major V, minor iv, major bIII, and major IV chords.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a classic and iconic rock song released in 1971, as part of their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. The song is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, featuring an intricate chord progression, a memorable melody, and folk-inspired acoustic guitar work. The verse you provided is the second verse of the song, which shares a similar, but not identical chord progression to the other verses. The song is in the key of A minor, and the chord progression showcases a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, along with a couple of chromatic alterations.

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7

Chord Progression Analysis

Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), D7 (V7/III), Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII)

Borrowed Chord: `A minor 7 (ii/bIII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Logic – “Man I Is”
Chord Progression: Ebmaj7 (I), Dm7 (VIm7), Gm7 (ii), C7 (V), Fm7 (vi), Bb7 (V/IV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Abmaj7 (IV)
`Borrowed Chord: Am7 (ii/bIII)`

2. D’Angelo – “Really Love”
Chord Progression: Bbmaj7 (I), Em7 (ii/bV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Gm7 (vi), Em7 (ii/bV), A7 (V/bIII), Dm7 (iii)
`Borrowed Chords: Em7 (ii/bV) and A7 (V/bIII)`

These songs, like “Earfquake,” feature a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords in their progressions, resulting in a similar fusion of styles and nuanced musicality.

Musical Analysis

Tyler, The Creator employs a dynamic chord progression that starts with the tonic, Bbmaj7, before moving to the borrowed Am7. This moves the progression momentarily to the G minor mode. The switch between the relative major and minor keys creates a unique melodic tension. The chords also progress through the circle of fifths with Gm7, Am7, and D7, which adds to the jazz-like style of the piece. This progression resolves back to the tonic, Bbmaj7, before repeating.

Overall Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The progression mainly features chords from the Bb Major key, with the D7 acting as a secondary dominant chord (V7/III). The progression has a smooth, jazzy feel that is typical of Tyler’s signature style.

Style Analysis

“Earfquake” showcases Tyler, The Creator’s distinct sonic signature which blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and pop. The chord progression’s use of borrowed chords and smooth seventh chords adds a touch of sophistication, reminiscent of jazz and neo-soul music. This further emphasizes the emotional depth and complexity in Tyler’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Earfquake by Tyler, The Creator are:

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7