Neo soul is all about the groove. Don't play on every downbeat.

Tension and release are critical in neo soul. Passing chords connect primary chords smoothly:

Neo Soul is a genre that blends the raw emotion of 1970s soul with the sophisticated harmonies of jazz, the rhythmic pocket of hip-hop, and the smooth textures of R&B. At the heart of this sound lies the piano, playing lush, extended chords—9ths, 11ths, and 13ths—that evoke nostalgia and depth.

Play the root note, or the root and the 5th (or 7th). Keep it sparse and deep.

: Move chord voices by the smallest interval possible (half or whole steps) rather than jumping large distances.

Offers a free, detailed PDF showing Maj9 and min9 chords in all keys (source).

Inspired by D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," this progression uses a i-VII-III-vi progression with altered dominants.

That is why we have created the containing:

Unlike pop music, which relies on triads, neo soul utilizes: Minor 9ths (m9) Minor 11ths (m11) Dominant 13ths (13)

Dm9 – G13 – Cmaj9 – Fmaj9

The journey of mastering neo-soul chords is a deeply rewarding one. With the right resources and a focused approach, you can bring the lush, sophisticated sound of this genre into your own music. Now, with your Cheat Sheet in hand, it's time to sit down at the piano and start feeling the groove.

Often used for tension before a resolution. Major 7th/9th Chords: Used for a dreamy, uplifting feel. 2. Chord Voicings & Inversions

Whether you are trying to emulate Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, or modern masters like Robert Glasper, understanding is essential. This guide will walk you through the key concepts, provide actionable examples, and tell you how to find the perfect PDF to start practicing today. What Makes a Chord Progression "Neo Soul"?

Neo-soul is a genre of deep feeling and sophisticated sound. It blends the classic warmth of 1960s and 70s soul with the rhythmic sensibilities of hip-hop and the harmonic language of jazz, creating an intimate and emotionally compelling musical atmosphere. The sound is lush and expressive, driven by looping, hypnotic chord progressions that favor smooth voice-leading over the more direct resolutions of traditional jazz. For a pianist, mastering the lush textures of neo-soul is a transformative step that opens the door to a world of modern, soulful expression.

Happy playing!

This loop relies on the interplay between the stable I, the bright but tense IV, and the relative minor. It is the harmonic blueprint for thousands of Neo-Soul tracks.

Extensions add color and density to your chords. Instead of playing a C minor triad (C - Eb - G), a neo-soul player will use a C minor 9th (C - Eb - G - Bb - D).

Now, print out your guide, sit at your piano, and start with one progression. Loop it, close your eyes, and feel the harmony. The journey to mastering neo-soul is a deeply rewarding one. Happy playing