Detailed rootless voicing charts across the most popular keys (C, F, Bb, Eb, and G).
: Move beyond basic triads. At a minimum, every chord should be a 7th , but 9ths and 11ths are where the "soul" happens.
: Mastery of neo-soul requires practicing these extended chords in all inversions to maintain smooth voice leading between changes. Essential Piano Progressions
Neo-Soul Progressions with 9th Chords PDF – Detailed sheet music for 9th chords in all keys. neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
Using a dominant chord to lead to a chord other than the tonic. Tritone Substitution: Replacing a dominant 7th7 raised to the t h power chord with another dominant 7th7 raised to the t h power chord a tritone away (e.g., Db7 instead of G7 in a C key).
Many R&B and neo soul hits rely on a hypnotic, repeating two-chord structure that never fully resolves. Vibe: Ethereal, floating, laid-back. 3. The Chromatic Slide
Neo-soul is a genre of deep feeling and sophisticated sound. It blends the classic warmth of 1960s and 70s soul with the rhythmic sensibilities of hip-hop and the harmonic language of jazz, creating an intimate and emotionally compelling musical atmosphere. The sound is lush and expressive, driven by looping, hypnotic chord progressions that favor smooth voice-leading over the more direct resolutions of traditional jazz. For a pianist, mastering the lush textures of neo-soul is a transformative step that opens the door to a world of modern, soulful expression. Detailed rootless voicing charts across the most popular
When voicing a progression, the top note of the chord (often played by the pinky) should sing a melody of its own. If moving from Cmaj9 to Bm11, the pianist should try to keep the top notes close, moving from D to C#, creating a smooth line rather than large jumps.
The DbMaj9 acts as a chromatic passing chord that smoothly drops down a half-step to resolve back to Ebm9. 3. Advanced Techniques: Voice Leading and Neo Soul Flavor
Many artists, like the one in this tutorial , offer free downloadable PDFs in the video description to accompany their lessons. Tips for Practicing Neo Soul Piano : Mastery of neo-soul requires practicing these extended
Knowing the right chords is only half the equation; the way you play them brings the genre to life. These techniques are borrowed from gospel and jazz piano, and they are what separate a simple chord progression from a deeply soulful one.
Knowing the chords is only half the battle. In neo-soul, how you voice these chords is what creates the iconic "soul" sound. Here are the essential voicing techniques to master:
A descending progression that heavily utilizes minor 7th and 9th chords for a soulful, reflective mood. IVmaj9 – iii7 – ii9 – Imaj9 Example in F Major: Bbmaj9 – Am7 – Gm9 – Fmaj9 Vibe: Deep, emotional, and relaxed. Progression 3: The Chromatic Passing Movement
The most foundational chord types you'll encounter are: