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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 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.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

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