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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 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.

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This is a simple and common chord progression often known as “four chords” used often in pop and rock music. The song is in G Major and the progression has a I-V-vi-IV pattern.

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“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer features a simple yet effective chord progression in the interlude, using triadic chords and one altered chord (G6#9). The progression is in the key of G major and exhibits Weezer’s trademark alternative rock sound with a mix of pop sensibilities.

“Hey Jude,” written by The Beatles, charts a classic journey from tonic to dominant, with a detour through the subdominant and the minor dominant. It starts with a D chord (I), moves onto A (V), then A7 (V7) and back to D (I). The interlude features the progression D (I) – D7 (I7) – A7 (V7). This clever progression creates a momentary modulation to the key of G with the D7 chord, creating an interesting harmonic shift.

Tyler, The Creator – Gone Gone – Interlude

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Chord Progression

D, A, C, G, B, Gb, A, E

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (I), A Major (V), C Major (♭VII), G Major (IV), B Major (VI), G♭ Major (♭III), A Major (V), E Major (II)

Borrowed Chord:
`G♭ Major (♭III)`

Similar Chord Progressions

While it is challenging to find an exact match for this unique chord progression by Tyler, The Creator, some artists have employed chord progressions that share similarities in terms of the unique mix of expected and unexpected chord movements. One such example is “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead:

C Minor (i), E♭ Major (III), B♭ Major (V), A♭ Major (IV), G Major (♭III), E♭ Major (III), B♭ Major (V)

Another example is “Polythene Pam” by The Beatles:

E Major (I), G Major (♭III), A Major (IV), B Major (V), C Major (♭VI), A Major (IV)

Musical Analysis

This chord progression begins with a D Major chord, which establishes D as the tonal center. It then moves to A Major, which is the V chord of D, a very common and stable movement. Next comes C Major, which is the ♭VII chord, a frequently used borrowed chord in popular music. After that, the progression moves to G Major, the IV chord, another quite common movement.

The progression takes an exciting turn here, moving to B Major as the VI chord. This transition lifts the sound and adds a sense of brightness to the music. The following chord, G♭ Major, is a borrowed chord and is particularly unusual, as it is the ♭III in the key of D. It adds an unexpected and unique twist to the progression, and is quite rare in popular music. The progression then returns to A Major, the V chord, before ending on E Major, the II chord, which gives a sense of unpredictability and openness.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression for the interlude of “Gone Gone” by Tyler, The Creator appears to deviate from common patterns found in popular music. The progression consists of eight unique chords, which could create an interesting and complex sound.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator is known for his experimental and genre-blending approach to music, and the chord progression in this interlude is no exception. The combination of common movements with unexpected chord choices, like the G♭ Major, gives the interlude an innovative and unique feel that sets it apart from traditional song structures. It could be said that this chord progression is a reflection of Tyler’s creativity and bold musical choices.

Chords in the Interlude section of Gone Gone by Tyler, The Creator are:

D, A, C, G, B, Gb, A, E