Neo Soul Chord Progressions Piano Pdf

Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7 - 9 . This chord sounds bright, dreamy, and open.

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.

How you place the notes matters more than the notes themselves.

You cannot play authentic neo soul using simple chords. The genre relies heavily on tension and color, which are created by adding upper extensions (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) and alterations to your standard chords. Minor 9th Chords ( m9m to the nineth power

Root - Major 3rd - Perfect 5th - Major 7th - Major 9th Example (CMaj9): C - E - G - B - D Dominant 11th and 13th Chords neo soul chord progressions piano pdf

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

Replace a standard dominant chord with a dominant chord a tritone away.

Listen closely to Robert Glasper, D'Angelo's Voodoo , and Erykah Badu's Mama's Gun to hear how these chords are used in context.

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. Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7 - 9

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

: 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

Uses chromatic movement and unexpected shifts for a "loop" vibe.

Perfect for stepping up or down between diatonic chords. Quartal Voicings The genre is defined by three primary harmonic

Slide from a flat 5th to a perfect 5th to add a bluesy texture. Tritone Substitutions

To play neo soul, you must alter standard chords to add color, tension, and warmth. Extended Chords

: Frequently used to replace traditional dominant chords for a smoother feel.

Use minor iv chords to resolve to major I chords. Download the Free PDF