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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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.

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

This chord progression is in the key of C Major, but incorporates a variety of borrowed chords and slash chords that add complexity and color to the song. It’s a good example of how Elton John takes popularly-used chord progressions and puts his own unique spin on them.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7

Chord Progression Analysis

Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), D7 (V7/III), Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII)

Borrowed Chord: `A minor 7 (ii/bIII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Logic – “Man I Is”
Chord Progression: Ebmaj7 (I), Dm7 (VIm7), Gm7 (ii), C7 (V), Fm7 (vi), Bb7 (V/IV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Abmaj7 (IV)
`Borrowed Chord: Am7 (ii/bIII)`

2. D’Angelo – “Really Love”
Chord Progression: Bbmaj7 (I), Em7 (ii/bV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Gm7 (vi), Em7 (ii/bV), A7 (V/bIII), Dm7 (iii)
`Borrowed Chords: Em7 (ii/bV) and A7 (V/bIII)`

These songs, like “Earfquake,” feature a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords in their progressions, resulting in a similar fusion of styles and nuanced musicality.

Musical Analysis

Tyler, The Creator employs a dynamic chord progression that starts with the tonic, Bbmaj7, before moving to the borrowed Am7. This moves the progression momentarily to the G minor mode. The switch between the relative major and minor keys creates a unique melodic tension. The chords also progress through the circle of fifths with Gm7, Am7, and D7, which adds to the jazz-like style of the piece. This progression resolves back to the tonic, Bbmaj7, before repeating.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Earfquake” showcases Tyler, The Creator’s distinct sonic signature which blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and pop. The chord progression’s use of borrowed chords and smooth seventh chords adds a touch of sophistication, reminiscent of jazz and neo-soul music. This further emphasizes the emotional depth and complexity in Tyler’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Earfquake by Tyler, The Creator are:

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7