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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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 verse 2 chord progression from Muse’s “New Born” reflects their signature harmonic daring and interesting relationships, which provides this piece with a fresh and captivating sound. The progression features a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as key shifts and chromaticism. It utilizes major-minor modal interchange and emphasizes the Em – B relationship throughout.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.

The progression from B to A to E is a common progression in pop and rock music. This progression utilizes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, meaning that the chords all belong to the same key and it suggests the use of borrowed chords. A Perfect Circle tends to use a lot of downward motion in their chord progressions, moving from higher to lower pitches, which can give their music a distinct ‘heavy’ feel.

Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E, E7, A, Am, E, E7, A, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I) – E Dominant 7 (I7) – A Major (IV) – A Minor (iv) – E Major (I) – E Dominant 7 (I7) – A Major (IV) – A Minor (iv)

Borrowed Chord:
`A Minor (iv)`

Similar Chord Progressions

Although not identical, a similar chord progression with borrowed chords can be found in the song “Something” by The Beatles. The progression in this song also starts on a major chord (C), moves to dominant 7 chord (C7), goes to the subdominant (F), then introduces a borrowed chord (Fm) from the parallel minor key.

Chord Progression in “Something” by The Beatles:
C Major (I) – C Dominant 7 (I7) – F Major (IV) – F Minor (iv)

In both cases, the use of borrowed chords and dominant 7 chords adds an emotional depth and richness to the harmony, making the progressions memorable and distinctive.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with an E major chord (I), which sets a strong tonic center. It then adds an extra note to create an E dominant 7 chord (I7), creating tension and anticipation by shifting the mood slightly. The tension is then released as the progression moves to the A major chord (IV), the subdominant chord in the key of E major. The progression introduces the borrowed chord, A minor (iv), which is borrowed from the parallel minor key, E minor. This chord creates a sense of surprise and melancholy due to the unexpected appearance of a minor chord in a major key.

This movement is then repeated for a total of two times, further solidifying the emotional contrast and familiarity of the progression for the listener. The choice to repeat the progression serves to reinforce the distinct harmony and provide an easily memorable pattern for the listener.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is found in Verse 2 of Tyler, The Creator’s song “Are We Still Friends.” The song is in the key of E major, and the progression features a mix of major, minor, and dominant seventh chords. The distinctive chromatic movement and the use of borrowed chords make for a memorable and unique progression. The combination of these elements results in a lush and emotionally charged progression which contributes greatly to the overall feel of the song.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator is known for his eclectic and innovative style that blends a variety of genres such as hip-hop, R&B, funk, and soul. In “Are We Still Friends,” the use of the borrowed chord adds a sense of emotional depth and surprise, which is characteristic of Tyler’s signature style. The progression provides a lush harmonic foundation for the song’s introspective lyrics, which touch on themes of lost friendships and nostalgia.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Are We Still Friends by Tyler, The Creator are:

E, E7, A, Am, E, E7, A, Am