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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

This chorus from The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” is an example of clever use of common chord transitions with several shifts in tonality. The chord progression uses the tonic key of C Major and F minor, showing complex modulation derived from modal interchange and secondary dominant techniques.

“Little Red Corvette” by Prince is in the key of Gb Major. The song is a staple of 80’s pop and a good example of Prince’s signature sound of fusing elements from different genres, such as funk, pop, and rock. It’s a strong blend of complex chord progressions and simple, catchy melodic lines which adds a compelling depth to the music.

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Chorus

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Bb Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – Bb Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI)

Borrowed Chords:
`A Minor 7 (vi7/VI)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “One Last Cry” by Brian McKnight:
Bb Major 7 (I7) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – F Major 7 (V7) – E Minor 7 (iv7/IV) – Eb Major 9 (IVmaj9)

2. D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”:
C Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7) – E Minor 7 (iii7) – G Minor 7 (v7/V)

3. Erykah Badu’s “On & On”:
G Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (ii7) – B Minor 7 (iii7) – E Minor 7 (vi7)

These examples demonstrate similar progressions featuring smooth 7th chords and a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, highlighting the influence of neo-soul and R&B in the songwriting style.

Musical Analysis

The progression commences with the I7 chord, Bbmaj7, establishing the tonal center in Bb Major. Following this, the progression moves to Am7, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (Bb minor). This borrowed chord adds a touch of melancholy, contributing to the overall neo-soul vibe of the piece. Subsequently, the progression leads to Gm7, the vi7 chord, providing a smooth descent from the previous chords. The progression then revisits the borrowed Am7 chord before it repeats the entire sequence once more.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator, combines elements of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop in his work, and the chord progression in “Earfquake” aptly reflects these influences. The use of 7th chords provides a smooth and sophisticated harmonic texture, while the repetition gives the song a catchy and memorable quality. The presence of borrowed chords adds a sense of unpredictability and depth to the progression, a reflection of Tyler’s experimental and innovative approach to songwriting.

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

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