Pdf — Neo Soul Chord Progressions Piano

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:

  1. Extended chords: Neo Soul frequently employs extended chords (7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords) to add depth and complexity to progressions.
  2. Altered dominants: Altered dominants (e.g., E7(#9) or E7(b9)) are commonly used to create tension and release.
  3. Minor and major chords: Neo Soul often combines minor and major chords to create a sense of contrast and emotional depth.
  4. Slow, syncopated rhythms: Neo Soul frequently features slow, syncopated rhythms that emphasize the "feel" and "groove."

Essential Neo Soul Chord Progressions

Here are five essential Neo Soul chord progressions, along with examples:

Progression 1: The " Erykah Badu" Progression

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. neo soul chord progressions piano pdf

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 is characterized by its lush, warm, and sophisticated sound, blending jazz harmony with hip-hop and R&B grooves. To master this style, you need to move beyond basic triads and embrace extended chords like 7ths, 9ths, and 11ths. Core Principles of Neo Soul Harmony

Extensions are Mandatory: Instead of playing a simple C minor triad, use a Cm9 or Cm11. These higher degrees add the "lushness" essential to the genre.

Clustering: Position your notes close together—sometimes just a semitone apart—to create a dense, "cloud-like" texture.

Chromatic Movement: Use non-diatonic "passing chords" or move chords in parallel (e.g., sliding a minor chord down a half step) to create smooth, soulful transitions. Essential Neo Soul Progressions

Here are common progressions you can practice and use in your compositions: Roman Numeral Example in C / Am The Jazz Standard ii - V - I Dm9 - G13 - Cmaj9 Classic, resolved feel The Minor Loop i - iv - v Em11 - Am11 - Bm11 Dark, moody, and repetitive The "Turnaround" iii - vi - ii - V Em9 - Am9 - Dm9 - G7 Jazzy and perpetual The Slide i - bVII (b2) Bbm7 - Abmaj7 Dreamy, nostalgic movement Building Chords for Neo Soul Introduction Neo Soul, a genre born out of

Start with the 7th: To build a Cmaj7, start with a C major triad and add the note a half-step below the root (B).

Add the 9th: For a Cm9, add the note a whole step above the root (D) to your C minor 7 chord.

Shell Voicings: Beginners should practice playing the root in the left hand and the 3rd and 7th in the right hand. This defines the chord's "quality" while leaving room for melody. Free PDF Resources for Practice

You can find comprehensive diagrams and sheet music via these platforms: If You Want To Play Neo Soul - LEARN THIS

Here’s a concise guide to neo-soul chord progressions on piano, structured like a mini PDF you can copy or turn into a printable sheet.

Part 6: Taking It Further (Modulation & Borrowed Chords)

Once you master the PDF, do not be afraid to break the rules. Modern Neo Soul (like artists Moonchild or Tiana Major9) often borrows chords from parallel scales.

Try this advanced trick: Play a standard Cm9. Then, instead of going to the natural Gm chord, borrow the bII chord from Phrygian: Db9#11.

Result: Cm9 – Db9#11 – Cm9. That chromatic "snake" sound is the hallmark of sophisticated Neo Soul.

Progression #4: The "Modal Stuck" (One chord, many colors)

You don't always need to change harmony. Key: E minor Ebm9 (Hold for 2 bars) – Ebm9 with a major 6th (Hold for 2 bars) – Eb7#9 (Turnaround)

Playing the Progression

When playing this progression on the piano:

  1. Use a Slow, Groovy Tempo: Neo-Soul often features slower tempos with a strong emphasis on feel and groove. Think around 90-100 BPM.
  2. Emphasize the Bass Line: A deep, bouncy bass line can add a lot of character. Consider playing the root note of each chord on beats 1 and 3, and an eighth-note pattern on the off-beats.
  3. Chord Voicings: Experiment with different chord voicings. For example, try playing the 3rd and 7th in the left hand and the root and 9th (or #9) in the right. Adjust based on the sound you want.
  4. Add Some Soul: Incorporate soulful inflections like appoggiaturas (approach notes), neighbor notes, and chromatic passing tones to give your melody and chords a more expressive feel.