The chord progression I'll provide is in the key of C minor, a common key for soul and R&B music due to its rich, emotional palette.
Progression: Cm7 - G7(#9) - Am7 - E7(#11) Cm7 - G7(#9) - Fmaj7(#11) - Cm7
Let's break down the progression and the altered dominants:
Before you play a single chord, you need to understand the DNA of the sound. Unlike traditional pop music (which relies on triads) or traditional jazz (which relies on full voicings with roots), Neo Soul lives in the upper structure.
When playing this progression on the piano:
Neo-soul piano relies on extended chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths) and non-functional harmony
to create its signature "vibey" and smooth sound. Unlike traditional pop, these progressions often loop indefinitely and use chromatic passing chords to connect stable "home" chords. PianoPig Academy Essential Neo-Soul Chord Progressions
Below are common progressions used in neo-soul, ranging from beginner to advanced. The Beginner Loop
cap B ♭ to the seventh power right arrow cap C m to the seventh power right arrow cap A m to the seventh power right arrow cap A ♭ raised to the m a j 7 power
. This simple four-chord loop uses minor 7ths to create a laid-back foundation. The "Dark & Luminous" 2-Chord Loop
cap F m to the seventh power right arrow cap G ♭ raised to the cap delta 7 power
(F minor 7 to Gb major 7). This is ideal for practicing pentatonic scale improvisation. The Advanced "Vibe" Pack
cap G m to the nineth power right arrow cap E m to the 11th power right arrow cap E ♭ raised to the m a j 9 open paren ♯ 11 close paren power right arrow cap D to the seventh power open paren ♯ 9 close paren / cap D to the seventh power open paren ♭ 9 close paren
. This progression uses dense voicings and altered dominant chords ( cap D to the seventh power ) typical of professional neo-soul. Classic "Smooth" Sequence
cap A ♭ raised to the m a j 7 power right arrow cap G m to the seventh power cap G m to the nineth power
right arrow cap G ♭ raised to the m a j 7 power right arrow cap F m to the nineth power
. This utilizes downward chromatic movement which is a hallmark of the genre. The Minor 11th Trick
cap C m to the 11th power right arrow cap B ♭ raised to the 6 open paren a d d 11 close paren power right arrow cap A ♭ raised to the m a j 9 power right arrow cap G m raised to the 7 open paren s u s 4 close paren power right arrow cap F raised to the 6 / 9 power divides cap B raised to the d i m 7 power neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
. Using minor 11th chords provides a "gut-wrenching" expressive quality. Useful PDF & Learning Resources
These links direct to downloadable guides and structured lessons: Dope Neo-Soul Progression Breakdown
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!
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.
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)
While several guides and PDF resources focus on Neo Soul piano, the specific "paper" you're likely referring to is often a collection of common progressions and voicings found in instructional materials from platforms like PianoPig Academy Jazz Piano Practice Sessions
Below is a synthesis of essential Neo Soul chord progressions and theory commonly found in these PDF guides. 1. Essential Neo Soul Progressions Neo Soul harmony relies heavily on extended 7th, 9th, and 11th chords , often moving in non-traditional or jazz-influenced ways. Roman Numeral Progression Example in C Standard Jazz/Soul Gospel-Inspired Passing Chord Movement Descending Turnaround 2. Common Voicing Techniques
To achieve the "Neo Soul" sound, pianists use specific voicings rather than standard triads: The 9th Chord Focus : Most Neo Soul progressions use m a j to the nineth power m i n to the nineth power chords across all keys. "Thickened" Chords
: Using the "2/6" formula for major chords or "2/4" for minor chords adds the tension and density characteristic of the genre. Secondary Dominants cap V to the seventh power
chord that is not in the home key to resolve to a target chord (e.g., using cap B to the seventh power to resolve to cap E m to the nineth power in a C major piece). Chromatic Passing Chords
: Sliding into a target chord from a half-step above or below (e.g., cap E b raised to the m i n 9 power cap D raised to the m i n 9 power 3. Key PDF & Downloadable Resources The chord progression I'll provide is in the
You can find comprehensive worksheets and notation in these specific PDF collections:
Neo-soul piano focuses on jazz-influenced harmonies, specifically utilizing extended chords like 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths to create a "warm" and sophisticated sound. To master this style, you can download specialized PDF resources such as the Neo-Soul Progressions with 9th Chords guide or beginner-friendly sheets from PianoPig Academy. Core Neo-Soul Chord Theory
Unlike standard pop music that uses basic triads, neo-soul builds "thicker" chords by adding higher degrees of the scale. Essential Extensions: At a minimum, use 7th chords (e.g., Cmaj7cap C m a j 7 Am7cap A m 7
). For a true neo-soul vibe, prioritize 9th and 11th chords.
The "Thickener" Formula: A common technique for beginners is to play a minor chord and add a major chord based on the flatted 7th degree. For example, playing minor in the left hand and major in the right creates a soulful Cmin11cap C m i n 11 .
Inversions: Mastery of neo-soul requires practicing these extended chords in all inversions to maintain smooth voice leading between changes. Essential Piano Progressions
Most neo-soul progressions are loops that emphasize the "groove" over complex linear storytelling. Progression (Roman Numerals) Common Example (Key of C) Description The foundation of jazz and neo-soul harmony.
A common minor-focused loop that moves counterclockwise around the circle of fifths.
A gospel-flavored turnaround frequently used in the key of Eb. A soulful variation of a classic pop progression. Professional Neo-Soul PDF Resources
You can find more detailed transcriptions and exercises through these specialized PDF sources:
Beginner Level: PianoPig offers free PDF notation and resource sheets specifically for those just starting with soulful piano.
Intermediate/Advanced: The Free Neo-Soul Chord Progression Pack on Scribd includes MIDI files and notation for complex changes like Gmin9cap G m i n 9 Emin11cap E m i n 11
Voicing Ideas: Neo Soul Voicing Ideas provides specific sheet music examples of "killer" resolutions and notable chord clusters.
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.
To understand Neo-Soul harmony, one must depart from the rigid diatonicism of classical music and embrace the fluidity of jazz. The genre is defined by three primary harmonic characteristics: extended chords, "Slash" chords (inversions), and reharmonization techniques. 5 Essential Neo-Soul Chord Progressions Here are five