Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

The outro of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix uses a descending circle of fifths chord progression, which is a very common progression in many styles of music, particularly in the Baroque period and in blues-based rock music. The progression features a steady descent through the Circle of Fifths that creates a strong sense of harmony and resolution. In this context, Jimi Hendrix uses the progression to create tension and momentum, which is appropriate for an outro section.

**

The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

**

Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Outro

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

G#m, G, A, B

Chord Progression Analysis

G# minor (i), G major (bVII), A major (bVIII), B major (bIX)

“`
i (G# minor) – borrowed from the parallel minor
bVII (G major) – borrowed chord
bVIII (A major) – borrowed chord
bIX (B major) – borrowed chord
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
C minor (i), B major (bVII), C# major (bVIII), F# major (bIX)

2. The Beatles – “I Am the Walrus”
C major (I), A major (bVIII), G major (bVII), F# major (bVI)

3. David Bowie – “Life on Mars?”
F major (I), Bb major (IV), Eb major (bVII), Ab major (bII)

These examples showcase other artists making use of chromaticism and unconventional harmonic choices, though the specific chord progressions are different from Tyler’s in “Are We Still Friends.” Nevertheless, the shared elements of surprise and musical interest allow for these examples to be viewed within the same stylistic context.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins on the tonic G# minor (i) chord, giving a sense of stability before moving chromatically down to the G major chord (bVII). This move is unusual but can be seen as an outcome of modal mixture (borrowing from the parallel minor). From G major, the progression then moves up a whole step to the A major (bVIII) chord, adding more chromaticism and creating tension between the first two chords. Finally, the progression lands on the B major (bIX) chord, which can be viewed as borrowed from the parallel phrygian mode, further increasing the overall harmonic ambiguity.

Overall Analysis

The outro chord progression of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator has an interesting and somewhat unconventional structure. It’s composed of four chords and follows a pattern that showcases chromatic motion, a key element often found in the music of Tyler, The Creator. The vamp is harmonically ambiguous, relying on the dynamic interplay between the chords to create tension and resolution.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator is known for his experimental approach and unique harmonic choices, and “Are We Still Friends” is no exception. The outro chord progression showcases his penchant for chromaticism and ability to create unexpected moments of tension and musical interest. Additionally, the use of borrowed chords spanning different modes, modal mixture, and unconventional harmonic choices are all hallmarks of Tyler’s distinctive style.

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

G#m, G, A, B