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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 piece “See You Again,” written by Tyler, The Creator, features a harmonically rich and somewhat unexpected chord progression. It steps away from traditional diatonic harmony, and instead experiments with the use of borrowed chords, particularly through the incorporation of the F#(b5) chord. This results in a unique and distinctive sound to the piece, as it mixes a sense of tension and resolution through the progression.

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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.

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“Beast of Burden,” by The Rolling Stones, a song characterized by a typical rock-pop structure, primarily uses a IV-chord loop in the key of E major. The chord progression in the outro follows a specific sequence: E, to B, to C#m, to A. The return to the E at the end of the progression gives it a circular feel that encourages cohesion.

“Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece that features a rather minimalistic chord progression, with only one chord during the outro. The piece is characterized by its lush soundscape, synthesizer layering, and the use of sound effects to create an atmosphere of a mechanized world.

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Outro

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I)
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A minor 7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (B-flat minor)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
Chord Progression: Cmaj7 (I), Gmaj7 (V), Fmaj7 (IV), Emin7 (iii), Dmin7 (ii), G7 (V7)

2. Erykah Badu – “On & On”
Chord Progression: Am7 (i), Em7 (v), Fmaj7 (VI), Gmaj7 (VII)

These examples feature similar use of major 7th and minor 7th chords, contributing to a similar Neo-Soul/R&B atmosphere. They also utilize borrowed chords or modulations to different keys, offering rich harmonic textures, and emotional depth.

Musical Analysis

The I chord (Bbmaj7) establishes the tonal center of the piece, which is B-flat Major. The viiø/III chord (Am7) can be considered a borrowed chord, as mentioned above. Borrowing a chord from parallel minor keys can introduce interesting harmonies and color to the progression, making it more dramatic and emotional. In this case, the Am7 generates suspense as it transitions back to the Bbmaj7, contributing to the emotional impact of the music.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator is relatively simple and repetitive, featuring a constant alternation between Bbmaj7 and Am7 chords. This back-and-forth between the two chords creates a sense of tension and release that contributes to the dreamy and emotional atmosphere characteristic of the song.

Style Analysis

In terms of style, the chord progression can be associated with Neo-Soul and R&B genres, which often utilize 7th chords and borrowed chords to create a smooth, sophisticated sound. The dreamy, emotional quality of the progression is further enhanced by the use of major 7th chords, as they tend to have a warm, lush timbre.

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

Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7