Neo Soul Chord Progressions Piano Pdf ((top)) May 2026
Neo-Soul Chord Progression
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: neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
- Cm7: C - Eb - Bb - D
- G7(#9): G - B - D - F - A# (The #9 adds a distinct, somewhat dissonant color that resolves interestingly.)
- Am7: A - C - E - G
- E7(#11): E - G# - B - D - G# (The #11 adds a vibrant, tense feel.)
- Fmaj7(#11): F - A - C - E - B (The #11 here gives a lush, expansive feel.)
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)
2. The Minor 4 and the Major 3rd
One of the most emotive devices in Neo-Soul is the borrowing of chords from the parallel minor scale (Modal Interchange). Cm7: C - Eb - Bb - D
- The Technique: In a major key, the IV chord is major. However, Neo-Soul often borrows the minor IV chord from the parallel minor key.
- Example: In the key of C Major, moving to an Fm9 instead of an Fmaj7.
- The Effect: This creates a sudden, dramatic shift in mood. Often, this is followed by a chromatic ascent to the V chord (Fm9 -> Em7 -> Edim7 -> F/G), leading back to the tonic.
Progression #3: The Chromatic Descent (Root Movement by Half-Step)
Used by Robert Glasper and Hiatus Kaiyote. Key: D minor Dm9 – Dbmaj7#11 – Cm9 – Bmaj13#11
Part 1: What Makes a Progression "Neo Soul"?
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. Progression #4: The "Modal Stuck" (One chord, many
The "Neo Soul Minor 9" Shape
Formula: Root (LH) – b3, 5, b7, 9 (RH)
- Example: Dm9 (D in left hand / F, A, C, E in right hand)