Neo Soul Chord Progressions Piano Pdf
Formula: Root (LH) – 3, 6, 9, #11 (RH)
To solidify these concepts, let us analyze a prototypical Neo-Soul progression in the key of Db Major.
Progression: | Dbmaj9 | Gb7#11 | Fm9 | Bbm7 |
This loop relies on the interplay between the stable I, the bright but tense IV, and the relative minor. It is the harmonic blueprint for thousands of Neo-Soul tracks.
Minor 9 (A voicing)
LH: C RH: E♭ – G – B♭ – D (fingers 1–2–3–5)
Major 9 (Bill Evans grip)
LH: C RH: D – G – B – E (1–2–3–5)
Neo soul piano focuses on extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths) and non-functional harmony, often moving away from traditional jazz resolutions toward cyclic, looped patterns. Core Harmonic Language
The genre's signature "smooth" sound comes from replacing basic triads with extended voicings:
Minor 11th Chords: Frequently used as the primary harmonic building block. A simple formula for an
voicing is to play a minor triad in the left hand and a major triad built on the flat 7th in the right hand (e.g., major in RH for Cm11cap C m 11
Extended Dominants: Dominant chords often include alterations like the to add "soulful" tension.
Cyclic Progressions: Unlike jazz, which frequently uses 2-5-1 resolutions, Neo Soul often uses loops that avoid a final resolution to create a continuous, laid-back vibe. Common Chord Progressions
Below are standard progressions found in Neo Soul piano literature. For deep study, you can refer to the Neo-Soul Progressions with 9th Chords PDF for annotated examples in all keys.
Neo Soul Chord Progressions Piano PDF: A Guide to Creating Soulful Music
Neo-soul, a genre that emerged in the 1990s, is a fusion of classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop with a modern twist. Characterized by its soulful, emotive sound and often introspective lyrics, neo-soul has become a staple of contemporary music. As a pianist, you can play a crucial role in creating the distinctive sound of neo-soul. In this post, we'll explore some common neo-soul chord progressions, provide a free PDF guide, and offer tips on how to use them to create soulful music.
Understanding Neo-Soul Chord Progressions
Neo-soul chord progressions often draw from jazz, funk, and soul traditions. They frequently feature extended chords, altered dominants, and modal interchange. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
5 Essential Neo-Soul Chord Progressions
Here are five essential neo-soul chord progressions, along with a brief explanation of each:
Cmaj7 - G7(#9) - Am7 - Fmaj7
This progression, inspired by Erykah Badu's "Brown Sugar," features a I-VII-vi-IV progression with a jazz twist. The G7(#9) chord adds a rich, bluesy flavor.
Dm7 - G7(#5) - Cmaj7 - Am7
This progression, reminiscent of Daniel Caesar's "Get You," uses a ii-V-I progression with an altered dominant chord. The G7(#5) chord creates tension leading to the Cmaj7 chord.
Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7(#9) - Em7
This progression, inspired by Robin Thicke's "Lost Without You," features a i-VI-VII-iii progression with a soulful, introspective feel.
Ebmaj7 - Ab7(#11) - Dbmaj7 - Gbmaj7
This progression, similar to The Weeknd's "Think of Me," uses a I-VI-ii-V progression with extended chords. The Ab7(#11) chord adds a bright, uplifting quality.
Cmaj7 - Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7(#5)
This progression, inspired by Jhené Aiko's "Before," features a I-vi-IV-V progression with a laid-back, jazzy feel.
Download Your Free Neo-Soul Chord Progressions Piano PDF Guide
To help you get started with these progressions, we've created a free PDF guide that includes:
Download your free PDF guide here: [insert link]
Tips for Using Neo-Soul Chord Progressions
Here are some tips to help you make the most of these progressions:
Conclusion
Neo-soul chord progressions offer a wealth of creative possibilities for pianists. By understanding the key elements of neo-soul and experimenting with different progressions, you can create soulful, emotive music that resonates with listeners. Download our free PDF guide and start exploring the world of neo-soul piano today!
Introduction
Neo Soul, a genre born out of the 1990s, is a fusion of classic soul, funk, and contemporary R&B. Characterized by its soulful, emotive sound, Neo Soul often features lush chord progressions, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. As a pianist, you can play a crucial role in creating this distinctive sound. In this guide, we'll explore the essential chord progressions, harmonic techniques, and tips to help you become a skilled Neo Soul pianist.
Understanding Neo Soul Chord Progressions
Neo Soul chord progressions often draw from jazz, funk, and soul traditions. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
Essential Neo Soul Chord Progressions
Here are five essential Neo Soul chord progressions, along with examples:
Progression 1: The " Erykah Badu" Progression neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
Cmaj9 - G7(#9) - Am7 - Fmaj7 Cmaj9 - G7(#9) - Fmaj7 - Cmaj9
This progression, popularized by Erykah Badu's "On & On," features a I-VII-vi-IV progression with extended chords.
Progression 2: The "D'Angelo" Progression
Dm9 - G7(b9) - Cmaj7 - Am7 Dm9 - G7(b9) - Cmaj7 - Am7
Inspired by D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," this progression uses a i-VII-III-vi progression with altered dominants.
Progression 3: The "John Legend" Progression
Ebmaj7 - Ab7 - Dbmaj7 - Gbmaj7 Ebmaj7 - Ab7 - Dbmaj7 - Gbmaj7
This progression, reminiscent of John Legend's "All of Me," employs a I-IV-VII-III progression with major 7th chords.
Progression 4: The "Lauryn Hill" Progression
Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7(#9) - Em7 Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7(#9) - Em7
Inspired by Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor," this progression uses a vi-IV-V-i progression with extended chords.
Progression 5: The "Anderson .Paak" Progression
C9 - F9 - G7(#9) - Am7 C9 - F9 - G7(#9) - Am7
This progression, similar to Anderson .Paak's "The Season / Carry Me," combines a I-V-vi progression with 9th chords and altered dominants.
Tips and Tricks
Downloadable PDF Guide
Here is a downloadable PDF guide that summarizes the chord progressions and harmonic techniques discussed in this article:
[Insert PDF link]
Conclusion
Neo Soul chord progressions on piano are all about creating a rich, emotive sound that blends elements of jazz, funk, and soul. By mastering these essential progressions and harmonic techniques, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled Neo Soul pianist. Remember to experiment, practice, and most importantly, have fun!
Additional Resources
Happy playing!
Neo soul piano relies on rich, extended voicings like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths to create its signature smooth, "dreamy" sound. Unlike standard pop, neo soul often uses minor 11 chords and non-diatonic passing chords to add emotional depth. Common Neo Soul Chord Progressions These progressions serve as the foundation for the genre:
The Classic ii - V - I: The backbone of soul, often played as
Dm9→G13→Cmaj9cap D m 9 right arrow cap G 13 right arrow cap C m a j 9 .
The 6 - 2 - 5 - 1 Turnaround: A circular progression used to keep a groove moving indefinitely (
Am9→Dm11→G13→Cmaj9cap A m 9 right arrow cap D m 11 right arrow cap G 13 right arrow cap C m a j 9 in C major).
The iv - I "Plagal" Variation: A "melancholic" shift from the major I to a minor iv (e.g.,
Fmaj7→Fm9→Cmaj9cap F m a j 7 right arrow cap F m 9 right arrow cap C m a j 9 ).
Parallel Minor 11s: Sliding the same minor 11 voicing down or up by a half-step or whole-step (e.g., Ebm11→Dm11cap E b m 11 right arrow cap D m 11 ). Essential Piano Voicing Tips
Add Extensions: Move beyond basic triads. At a minimum, every chord should be a 7th, but 9ths and 11ths are where the "soul" happens.
Common Tones: Keep the highest note of each chord the same (the "melody note") while the chords change underneath to create a "suspended" feeling.
Inversions & Spacing: Avoid "blocky" chords. Use inversions to keep hand movements small and smooth. Visual Reference
For a better visual understanding of these voicings, you can check these guides:
"Neo - Soul Chart V5" Art Print for Sale by vincentdavigo | Redbubble Redbubble
Neo-Soul Chords Sheet Music for Piano (Solo) easy | MuseScore.com MuseScore.com How to Play Neo Soul Piano Chords | GospelChops GospelChops
If you have spent any time diving into the world of modern R&B, jazz-hop, or alternative soul, you have felt the distinct magnetic pull of Neo Soul. Pioneered by artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Robert Glasper, Neo Soul is more than just a genre—it is a harmonic language. It is the sound of a major 7th chord melting into a dominant 9th, or a bass line that refuses to walk in a straight line.
For pianists, cracking the code of Neo Soul can be daunting. The chord extensions (#11s, b9s, 13ths) and the syncopated, "wonky" rhythms feel alien to classically trained players. However, once you internalize the shapes, a new world of improvisation opens up.
This is your complete roadmap. We will break down the essential neo soul chord progressions for piano , explain the theory behind the "crunchy" notes, and—most importantly—guide you to a comprehensive PDF cheat sheet you can download and take to the practice room.
One of the most emotive devices in Neo-Soul is the borrowing of chords from the parallel minor scale (Modal Interchange).
Perhaps the most defining visual feature of a Neo-Soul lead sheet is the slash chord (e.g., C/G). This notation indicates a specific bass note that differs from the chord root.
Made famous by D’Angelo. Key: Ab Major Abmaj9 (Ab, G, Bb, C, Eb) – Bbm11 (Bb, Ab, Db, Eb, F) – Abmaj13 (Ab, G, C, F) Formula: Root (LH) – 3, 6, 9, #11