Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Switch-up
See You Again < All Analyses
Chord Progression
F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7, F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7
Chord Progression Analysis
F# Major (I) – F#(b5) – Bmaj7 (IVmaj7) – F# Major (I) – F#(b5) – Bmaj7 (IVmaj7)
“`
F#(b5) is a borrowed chord
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: Bm7 – Emaj7 – Gmaj7 – F#(b5) (F#°)
“`
Bm7 (i) – Emaj7 (IVmaj7) – Gmaj7 (VI) – F#(b5) (VII°)
“`
2. Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Chord Progression: E – A7 – Am7 – G#(b5) (G#°)
“`
E (I) – A7 (IV7) – Am7 (iv) – G#(b5) (VII°)
“`
In both examples, artists are using borrowed chords to develop unique and complex harmonic structure, enhancing the emotional impact of their music. The presence of diminished chords (F#(b5) and G#(b5)) in their progressions resembles a similar technique to the one employed in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again.”
Musical Analysis
The chord progression can be characterized as a mixture of both consonant and dissonant harmonies. The F# and Bmaj7 chords create a sense of stability and resolution, while the F#(b5) chord generates tension and instability.
The F#(b5) is a particularly interesting chord. As a borrowed chord, it is not part of the F# Major scale. Instead, it adds a chromatic element by flattening the 5th degree of the F# chord. This creates a unique character to the piece that captivates the listener while adding an emotional depth to the music.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
“See You Again” is consistent with Tyler, The Creator’s penchant for experimenting with harmonic structures in his music. By blending both classical and modern elements and taking inspiration from various genres such as jazz, R&B, and electronic music, he creates a unique sound that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The chord progression in “See You Again” is a testament to this approach, as it is both memorable and emotionally resonant.
What are the chords in: Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Switch-up?
F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7, F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7
