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The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” can be characterized as a mixture of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities. The verse progression features major and minor seventh chords, a few borrowed chords, and a prominent chromatic movement.

Chord progression analysis (including borrowed chords)
1. F#maj7 (I)
2. F#maj7/B (I6)
3. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
4. G#m7 (iii7)
5. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)
6. F#maj7 (I)
7. F#maj7/B (I6)
8. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
9. G#m7 (iii7)
10. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)

The chord progression starts with the tonic F#maj7 and moves through a first inversion of the same chord (F#maj7/B) before introducing borrowed chords (Fmaj7 and D7#5) from the parallel minor key, creating tension and color. The G#m7 is a diatonic iii7 chord, adding to the jazzy feel of the song.

The chord progression in the bridge of “Gone, Gone” by Tyler, The Creator can be described as a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key. The key of the song is F major, and the progression combines elements of pop, R&B, and jazz, creating a distinctive harmonic sound.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock song released in 1995. The song is in the key of E minor and primarily uses power chords derived from the E minor scale throughout the song. Power chords or ‘5’ chords, like B5 or G5, don’t have a major or minor quality and are often used in rock music for their strong and neutral sound. The song also applies modal mixture (borrowing chords from parallel keys) for color and tension.

“Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and introspective chord progression. The song is predominantly in the key of B minor. The verse and outro sections revolve around the Bm, D, and E chords, while the chorus uses a progression of Bm, G, D, A. The use of borrowed chords enriches the harmonic landscape, adding depth to the composition.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails mainly consists of a six-chord progression (Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G), repeating four times in the chorus. The sixth repetition alters the ending (Bm, G, A, B), and the key of the song is B Minor.

Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Chorus

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Chord Progression

F#maj7, F#maj7/B, Fmaj7, G#m7, D7#5, F#maj7, F#maj7/B, Fmaj7, G#m7, D7#5

Chord Progression Analysis

F#maj7 (Imaj7) – F#maj7/B (Imaj7/5) – Fmaj7 (bImaj7) – G#m7 (iiø7) – D7#5 (bVI7) – F#maj7 (Imaj7) – F#maj7/B (Imaj7/5) – Fmaj7 (bImaj7) – G#m7 (iiø7) – D7#5 (bVI7)

“` Borrowed Chord: Fmaj7 (bImaj7) “`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “Overjoyed”
Chord Progression: Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C#dim7 (iio7) – Dm7 (ii7) – G13 (V13) – Cmaj9 (Imaj9) – Dm9 (ii9) – G13sus (V13sus) – G13 (V13)

2. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
Chord Progression: Amaj7 (Imaj7) – C#m7 (iii7) – Bm7 (ii7) – E9 (V9)

Both of these examples feature rich harmonic textures, smooth voice leading, and chromatic movement, which are similar characteristics found in the chord progression of “See You Again.” Additionally, they share a neo-soul and contemporary R&B sound, making them appropriate comparisons.

Musical Analysis

In this progression, we begin with the F#maj7 (Imaj7) chord, which establishes the tonal center. The F#maj7/B is an inversion of the Imaj7 chord and serves to create a smooth bass movement.

The first borrowed chord is Fmaj7 (bImaj7) from the parallel minor key (F# minor). This chromatic movement adds an unexpected twist and some tension to the progression.

Moving to G#m7 (iiø7) represents a return to diatonic harmony. The following chord, D7#5 (bVI7, an altered dominant), functions as a secondary dominant to the Imaj7, adding tension that resolves to the starting F#maj7 chord.

The second half of the progression repeats the same sequence, solidifying the harmonic pattern and providing a satisfying sense of resolution by the end.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” exhibits a combination of diatonic and chromatic movements, with the use of borrowed chords and altered dominants that create tension and release. The song is in the key of F# major.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” features a neo-soul and contemporary R&B sound, with lush voicings, smooth voice leading, and chromatic movement. The use of borrowed chords and altered dominants is a common aspect of jazz-influenced R&B and neo-soul music, which often experiment with unexpected harmonic choices.

Chords in the Chorus section of See You Again by Tyler, The Creator are:

F#maj7, F#maj7/B, Fmaj7, G#m7, D7#5, F#maj7, F#maj7/B, Fmaj7, G#m7, D7#5