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The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” is a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, making it an interesting and unique progression. It features a combination of major, minor, and an altered seventh chord, adding to the overall complexity of the progression. The style is reminiscent of jazz and R&B, where more complex harmonic structures are often used. Some borrowings from different modes and chromaticism also contribute to its richness and distinct sound.

The song “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles is known for its unique and striking musical features. The chord progression in the interlude, in particular, represents an example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to harmonic structure and tonal movement. This section is essentially a sequence of dominant-seventh chords that each resolve to the note a fifth below, a common harmonic progression known as the circle of fifths. The interlude features a prominent orchestral crescendo and transition that are hallmarks of the Beatles’ experimental approach to the use of orchestral instruments in rock music.

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This is a simple and common chord progression often known as “four chords” used often in pop and rock music. The song is in G Major and the progression has a I-V-vi-IV pattern.

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“In My Life” is a song by The Beatles from the 1965 album Rubber Soul. It is written in the key of A Major, beloved for its introspective lyrics and harmonic structure. The chord progression is complex and contains several borrowed chords and secondary dominants, displaying an impressive use of tonality that is characteristic of the band’s sophisticated songwriting.

Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Interlude

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Chord Progression

E, E7, A, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
E Major (I) – E Dominant 7 (V7) – A Major (IV) – A minor (iv)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Something” (1969)
Chord Progression:
“`
C Major (I) – C Major 7 (IMaj7) – C7 (V7/IV) – F Major (IV) – F minor (iv)
“`
2. Radiohead – “No Surprises” (1997)
Chord Progression:
“`
F Major (I) – G Major (II) – A minor (iii) – A flat Major (bVI) – G Major (II) – C Major (V)
“`

While these progressions are not exact replicas of the one used by Tyler, The Creator in “Are We Still Friends?”, they share similarities in their use of the dominant seventh chord, the subdominant major and minor chords, and their overall melodic and harmonic interest. This demonstrates how these harmonic techniques can be used across various genres and styles to create compelling chord progressions that engage the listener’s ear.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the tonic chord, E Major, which establishes the key of the piece. The E Dominant 7 chord then introduces a tritone interval (between the major third and the minor seventh) that creates tension and propels the progression forward. The A Major chord is the subdominant chord, which is traditionally a point of resolution in a chord progression. However, Tyler ends the progression with an A minor chord, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key (E minor). This borrowed chord adds a sense of surprise and melodic interest to the progression, giving it a more introspective and wistful quality.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the interlude of “Are We Still Friends?” by Tyler, The Creator is a simple yet effective progression that moves from the tonic chord to a dominant seventh, followed by a subdominant chord, and finally a minor subdominant chord. The progression creates an interesting shift in tonality that is common in jazz and soul music, which are styles that Tyler is known to incorporate into his work.

Style Analysis

The use of the dominant 7th chord and the borrowed minor iv chord gives the progression a jazzy, soulful quality that is reminiscent of the chord progressions used in jazz standards and R&B classics. Tyler, The Creator is known for incorporating various genres and styles into his music, particularly elements of jazz, soul, and R&B. This progression is an example of how he uses these harmonic techniques to create unique and emotionally charged moments in his songs.

Chords in the Interlude section of Are We Still Friends by Tyler, The Creator are:

E, E7, A, Am