Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

The given chord progression is found in Verse 2 of Tyler, The Creator’s song “Are We Still Friends.” The song is in the key of E major, and the progression features a mix of major, minor, and dominant seventh chords. The distinctive chromatic movement and the use of borrowed chords make for a memorable and unique progression. The combination of these elements results in a lush and emotionally charged progression which contributes greatly to the overall feel of the song.

“Kiss” by Prince is a well-loved song known for its catchy tune and funky, upbeat style. The song is composed in the key of A major. However, it lacks typical diatonic major harmonies because Prince used power chords (fifth chords) instead of full major or minor chords. The progression is largely built around the ‘A5’ and ‘D5’ power chords, with the occasional ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ worked in to add some variation.

“Across The Universe” by The Beatles, written mostly by John Lennon, is known for its rich and complex harmonic structures that added new dimensions to pop music. The song is predominately in the key of D major, with occasional borrowings from the parallel minor (D minor) and the closely-related key of B minor. The verse 1 progression – D, Bm, F#m, Em7, A, A7, D, Bm, F#m, Em7, Gm – creates an affectingly melancholic mood through its mix of major, minor and borrowed chords, producing a unique ambience that evokes a sense of cosmic contemplation, matching with the philosophical lyrics of the song.

Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song in A major key. The chord progression seems simple at first, with a repetitive motive throughout the verse but it creates a hypnotic effect that is very much in line with Tame Impala’s psychedelic style.

Tyler, The Creator – See You Again – Verse 1

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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

The verse contains a rich sound due to the use of major and minor seventh chords. The use of borrowed chords and chromaticism highlights Tyler, The Creator’s inclination towards both jazz harmonies and pop songwriting. The use of the chromatic Fmaj7 chord often leaves the listener waiting for a resolution, and the return to the tonic F#maj7 provides a sense of relief.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

Tyler, The Creator is known for taking musical influences from various genres and blending them together. The jazz-influenced harmonies in “See You Again” are an example of Tyler’s eclecticism. This particular chord progression showcases a distinct pop structure that leans into the harmonic unpredictability of jazz, providing a unique and engaging listening experience.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

1. “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holiday
(Verse only)
– Fmaj7 (I)
– Gm7 (ii7)
– Gm7/C (ii7/IV)
– Am7 (iii7)
– Am7/D (iii7/VI)
– Dm7 (vi7)
– Dm7/G (vi7/ii)
– Gm7 (ii7)
– Gm7/C (ii7/IV)
– C7 (V7)
– Fmaj7 (I)

2. “Misty” by Erroll Garner (Verse only)
– Cmaj7 (I)
– Cmaj7/B (I6)
– Am7 (vi7)
– Am7/G (vi7/IV)
– Dm7 (ii7)
– Dm7/C (ii7/V)
– G7 (V7)
– Cmaj7 (I)

These examples capture some elements of Tyler, The Creator’s chord progression but vary in specific details. In both examples, the use of predominant seventh chords, chromaticism and borrowed chords can be observed, similarly highlighting the influences of jazz harmonies with pop sensibilities.

Chords in the Verse 1 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