You're looking for Neo Soul chord progressions on piano, and you'd like a PDF resource!
Neo Soul is a genre that combines elements of soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, characterized by its rich, soulful sound and often, complex chord progressions. Here are some popular Neo Soul chord progressions that you can play on piano:
Common Neo Soul Chord Progressions:
Some iconic Neo Soul piano chord progressions:
PDF Resources:
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a specific PDF resource that I can share directly. However, I can suggest some online resources where you can find Neo Soul chord progressions and piano sheets:
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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. neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
Mastering Neo-Soul chord progressions requires more than memorizing a PDF of chord charts; it demands an understanding of emotional tension and release. The genre takes the complexity of jazz theory and applies the rhythmic grounding of hip-hop and the spiritual weight of gospel. By utilizing extensions (9ths, 11ths, 13ths), embracing slash chords for bass movement, and borrowing from parallel modes, the pianist can transform simple triads into the lush, multi-layered textures that define the Neo-Soul aesthetic. Whether through the chromatic walk-downs of a ballad or the Lydian vamp of a groove, the ultimate goal of these progressions is to provide a rich, harmonic bed for the raw human expression that characterizes the genre.
Neo-soul piano relies on "thick" chords—specifically 9th, 11th, and 13th extensions—combined with jazz-influenced movement like the progressions.
The following "cheat sheet" summarizes common progressions and where to find detailed PDF resources to print or save. Common Neo-Soul Progressions Progression Type Chord Examples (Key of C) Description The Classic
Dm9→G13→Cmaj9cap D m 9 right arrow cap G 13 right arrow cap C m a j 9 The foundation of soul and jazz; smooth and resolving. The Gospel
Bm7b5→E7alt→Am9cap B m 7 b 5 right arrow cap E 7 a l t right arrow cap A m 9 A "darker" turnaround common in soulful gospel and R&B. The "Passing" ii-V
Dm9→Db13→Cmaj9cap D m 9 right arrow cap D b 13 right arrow cap C m a j 9 Uses a "tritone substitution" ( Db13cap D b 13 ) for a modern, jazzy slide. Non-Functional
Gmaj9→Gm9→Dadd2/F#cap G m a j 9 right arrow cap G m 9 right arrow cap D a d d 2 / cap F #
Uses chromatic movement and unexpected shifts for a "loop" vibe. Recommended PDF Resources
Jazz Piano Practice Sessions: A direct PDF download featuring Neo-Soul progressions with 9th chords across all keys. You're looking for Neo Soul chord progressions on
PianoPig Academy: Offers free PDF resource sheets and notation for beginners, including "perfect" starters and exercises.
Scribd Neo-Soul Guide: A structured guide for beginners that covers basic to advanced voicings.
Sheet Music Plus: Instant download for easy piano chord progressions ($5.99). Essential Neo-Soul Chord "Flavors"
To make any standard progression sound "Neo-Soul," swap basic triads for these: Soulful Neo-Soul Piano Chords for Music Producers - TikTok
To play authentic neo soul on the piano, you need to move beyond standard triads and embrace extensions (like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) and chromatic movement
. Below is a comprehensive guide to building these sounds, along with resources where you can download PDF notation. 1. Essential Neo Soul "Flavor" Chords The foundation of this sound lies in 7th and 9th chords Major 9th Chords
: Start with a Major 7th and add the 2nd note of the scale an octave up. For a "thicker" sound, add the 6th as well. Minor 11th Chords
: These provide that warm, hazy texture. A common trick is to play a minor triad in your left hand and a major triad built on the 7th in your right (e.g., for Cm11, play C minor in the left and Bb major in the right). 2. Common Neo Soul Progressions
Neo soul often breaks traditional harmonic rules, preferring chromatic resolutions non-diatonic shifts The "Half-Step Slide" Minor 7th - Major 7th - Minor 7th - Major 7th
: One of the most iconic movements is taking a minor chord and sliding it down a half-step to a major chord (e.g., Bbm9 to Am9). The 2-5-1 with a Twist
: While common in jazz, neo soul players often "reharmonize" this. Instead of a standard V chord, they might use a dominant 7(alt) to create more tension. The 1-5-4 Progression : Try this in E minor using 9th extensions: Em9 — Bm9 — Am9 3. PDF Downloads and Notation
For printable sheets and more detailed theory breakdowns, you can visit these resources: 5 Dope Neo Soul Resolutions for Gorgeous Chord Progressions
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):
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