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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 given chord progression for Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” verse 2 is primarily in the key of Bb major with a mixture of chords from other modes. The progression displays a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords, exhibiting the stylistic blending commonly found in modern music such as jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.

Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Switch-up

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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.

Chords in the Switch-up section of See You Again by Tyler, The Creator are:

F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7, F#, F#(b5), Bmaj7