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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.

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 chorus of “Hate This And I’ll Love You” by Muse features a highly chromatic and non-diatonic chord progression, with a myriad of borrowed chords and some distinctive rock sound. The key within which the progression is based seems to shift between E minor and B minor, with a mixture of Major and minor chords throughout.

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is a pop song by Elton John from the album “Caribou,” released in 1974. The song is set in the key of C Major, with some interesting chord changes and borrowed chords that are rich and reflective of Elton John’s unique harmonic style. The chorus especially impresses with unexpected chord shifts, demonstrating a sophisticated songwriting technique.

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.

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