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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 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.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is one of their most well-known pieces and a primary example of the sophisticated harmonic writing characteristic of the group’s 1966 “Pet Sounds” record. This piece is particularly designed in the key of A major. The Outro of the song includes the following chords: ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E/G#’ and many other chords throughout the song with complex chord changes that might not be typical in a pop song, but are characteristic of the band’s sound.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

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The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

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Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Outro

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

F#maj7 (IMaj7), F#maj7/B (IMaj7/5), G#m7 (IIm7), D7#5 (VI7♯5)

`The D7#5 chord is borrowed from the F# harmonic minor scale.`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Chord Progression: Emaj7 (IMaj7), Bm7 (IVm7), Amaj7 (IVMaj7), F#m7 (IIm7), F#7#5 (II7♯5)
2. John Coltrane – “Giant Steps”
Chord Progression: BMaj7 (IMaj7), D7 (V7/III), GMaj7 (VMaj7), Bb7 (V7/VI), EbMaj7 (bIIIMaj7), Am7 (VIm7), D7 (V7/II), GMaj7 (IIMaj7), Bb7 (V7/VI), EbMaj7 (bIIIMaj7), F#7#5 (II7♯5), BMaj7 (IMaj7)
3. Shania Twain – You’re Still The One
Chord Progression: EMaj7 (IMaj7), F#m7 (IIm7), A (IV), A/B (IV/2), B7#5 (V7#5)

These songs have incorporated the use of 7th chords and/or borrowed chords, particularly the augmented 5th chords or other unexpected chords, creating a similar harmonic texture as in “See You Again.”

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with a stable F#maj7 chord, followed by the F#maj7/B, which is essentially functioning as a first inversion chord. This inversion creates a smooth bass line and a subtle sense of forward motion. The progression then moves to the G#m7 chord, a diatonic chord in the key of F# major that provides a smooth transition from the tonic. The most interesting aspect of this progression is the D7#5 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the F# harmonic minor scale. This chord not only adds tension and color to the music but also creates a strong pull back to the tonic, effectively allowing the progression to loop seamlessly.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of F# major. This progression creates a smooth and somewhat jazzy feel in the music, with the inclusion of a few unexpected chords that add tension and propel the music forward.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator is known for his unique and often experimental approach to harmony within his music. The inclusion of the borrowed D7#5 chord in this progression showcases his distinctive choice of chords that are not traditionally used in pop music. The progression exhibits a jazzy feel; the use of 7th chords adds depth and gives the music a rich harmonic texture. Despite the unconventional chord choices, the progression still retains a strong sense of melodic movement and resolution throughout.

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

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