Neo-soul piano relies on "fattening" standard harmony with upper extensions like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths
to create a lush, atmospheric sound. Rather than following strict classical rules, the genre often prioritizes "color" and smooth voice leading through modal interchange and non-functional movements. Essential Neo-Soul Chord Types Minor 9th/11th:
These are the bread and butter of the genre, providing a "floating" or "moody" feel. A common voicing for a
is playing a C minor triad in the left hand and a Bb major triad in the right. Major 9th/Major 7(#11): neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
Used for "glassy" or "bittersweet" textures. You can thicken a Major 7th by adding the 2nd (9th) and 6th (13th) above the root. Dominant 7(alt) / 13(sus4): These provide tension. A staple movement is using a to resolve softly into a Major 9th. Orange Candy Music Common Chord Progressions
Many neo-soul tracks utilize short, looped progressions that create a "vibe" rather than a standard narrative resolution. Orange Candy Music The "Glassper" Slide:
A minor chord followed by a major chord exactly a half-step below (e.g., The 2-5-1 Fusion: A classic jazz staple updated with extensions, such as Dm9 → G7b9 → Cmaj9 Parallel Minor 11ths: Moving between unrelated minor 11th chords (e.g., Cm11 → Em11 → Ebm11 ) to create a modern, non-functional sound. Descending Fourths: A sequence like F#m11 → C#m11 → Em11 → Bm11 creates a circular, soulful movement. Playing Techniques & "Feel" 5 Dope Neo Soul Progressions Neo-soul piano relies on "fattening" standard harmony with
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.
A PDF can provide the chord symbols, but the execution lies in the voicing. Neo-Soul piano is defined by "Lazy Hands"—minimal movement to maximize resonance.
Dark and cinematic. Key: A minor Fmaj9 (F, E, G, A, C) – G13 (G, F, B, E) – Am11 (A, G, C, D, E) Part III: Voicing Techniques (The "How") A PDF
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.
If you have spent any time diving into the world of modern R&B, jazz-hop, or alternative soul, you have felt the distinct magnetic pull of Neo Soul. Pioneered by artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Robert Glasper, Neo Soul is more than just a genre—it is a harmonic language. It is the sound of a major 7th chord melting into a dominant 9th, or a bass line that refuses to walk in a straight line.
For pianists, cracking the code of Neo Soul can be daunting. The chord extensions (#11s, b9s, 13ths) and the syncopated, "wonky" rhythms feel alien to classically trained players. However, once you internalize the shapes, a new world of improvisation opens up.
This is your complete roadmap. We will break down the essential neo soul chord progressions for piano , explain the theory behind the "crunchy" notes, and—most importantly—guide you to a comprehensive PDF cheat sheet you can download and take to the practice room.