Core Chord Progressions The following progressions form the harmonic vocabulary of R&B — from the jazz-derived ii–V–I to the hypnotic neo-soul loop. The ii–V–I: The Jazz Foundation Roman numerals: ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 In C: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 (as per the below audio file) Extended version: Dm9 – G13 – Cmaj9 The […]
Common Chord Progressions in Recent R&B – Part 2 Read More »
A Harmonic Guide for Intermediate Musicians Introduction to R&B Harmony R&B harmony blends gospel warmth, jazz sophistication, and blues expressiveness into a distinctive sound built on extended chords and smooth voice leading. What Makes R&B Harmony Distinctive Contemporary R&B sits at the intersection of three musical traditions. From gospel, it inherits the emotional directness of
Common Chord Progressions in Recent R&B – Part 1 Read More »
Dbmaj7, C7, Fmin7, Ebmin7, Ab7/Eb This is a IV → III → VI → V → I type movement in Ab major, but with soulful/jazz reharmonization.It’s basically a descending cycle with borrowed colors that create that smooth neo‑soul glide. SZA’s sound is emotional, dreamy, and genre‑bending — soulful at its core but wrapped in experimental,
Sza- What Do I Do – Chords Read More »
This one has a very simple three chord progression. Gbmaj7, Fmin7 and Ebmin7 and the key is in Gb major. With the key of Gb major, you can also use Eb minor for the melody as per the circle of 5ths. The Eb minor pentatonic is simply all of the black keys Eb, Gb, Ab,
Kehlani – Folded – Chords Read More »
Key of C maj (Amin) Dmin7, Emin7, A7#5/G, Dmin7, Emin7, Amaj7/E For the melody you can also use the Amin (Pentatonic) which is simlar to Cmaj. However, the Amin Pentatonic uses just, A, C, D, E and G. The chord notation would be as follows: 2-3-4(7#5)-2-3-4(Maj). note that the 4 is a borrowed chord, Amin
Beyonce – Morning Dew – Chords Read More »
This R&B track by Tems has a very simple chord progression in the key of Db major. The chords are Ebmin, Fmin, Gbmaj and Dbmaj If we look at the chord numbering it is 2,3,4,1. Ebmin(2), Fmin(3), Gbmaj(4), Dbmaj(1). R&B is known to have complex and Jazzy chords however, it doesn’t always have to be
Tems – what you need chords Read More »
Are you looking for sounds to use to produce R&B music? Basically, there is no actual “R&B” sound. It is all about how you play or arrange regular instruments. However, there are certain instruments that tend to be used to R&B such as the Rhodes, and certain other EP patches. Learning the theory for R&B
Where do I find R&B sounds Read More »
With many of my videos you can see the Auto chord display showing you what chords are being played. To achieve this I used an Ableton Live Max Plugin, and also used software called Synthasia. These are good however, they are are not able to display complex chords, also invertaions. Recently I discovered some software
A solo Jam session using the MPKmini IV. The MPKmini IV comes with a lot of cool free software. The Studio Instrument Collection is awesome, especially the MPC packs. For the instruments I discovered a great lead sound called “Dolby Horn”. This is what I am using for the below video. Check out the home
AKAI MPKmini IV Jam Read More »
This started off from a random vocal search on Loopcloud. Loopcloud has many mostly short phrases however this was was one of the longer ones. All sounds come with key information so I played some chord in the key of F minor. Bbmin9, Fmin9, Bbmin9,Gmin9, C7#5 after that I looked for an appropriate beat, also
Loopmaster Jams – Superhero Read More »
