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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

“Somewhere Only We Know” composed by Keane, is a pop-ballad that is based in the key of A Minor. It makes use of both diatonic and borrowed chords in a modern pop style progression that creates an oscillating feel, with repetition for familiarity and simple melody drawn from the underlying chords.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

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