This raises an obvious question: Do you actually need to know music theory to learn Neo Soul piano? The short answer is NO — not in the way many beginners assume. Music theory can be enormously useful. It can help you understand what you’re playing, communicate with other musicians and recognise patterns more quickly. But […]
When people first start learning Neo Soul piano, they usually focus on chords: minor 9ths, major 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, altered dominants and diminished chords. That makes sense. Neo Soul is famous for its rich harmonic sound, so learning more sophisticated chords seems like the obvious way to become a better Neo Soul keyboard player. But […]
You can learn an extraordinary amount about Neo Soul piano from YouTube. There are tutorials on neo-soul chords, voicings, progressions, passing chords, jazz harmony, improvisation, rhythm, gospel techniques, ear training and almost every other musical subject imaginable. So, in theory, you could simply keep watching videos until you learn Neo Soul. But there is a […]
If you’ve started trying to learn Neo Soul piano, there’s a good chance you’ve had the same thought: Why does this seem so much harder than ordinary piano? You watch an experienced Neo Soul keyboard player move effortlessly between rich chords, passing harmonies and smooth voicings. Nothing seems to stay still. Even relatively simple progressions […]
For producers who want to write in this style, the question isn’t whether these chords matter anymore. It’s how to actually use them in practice. There are two common paths: learning neo-soul harmony in depth or accessing that harmonic language through MIDI-based workflows Both are valid. They simply serve different goals. The Case for Learning […]
How to Jazzify Your R&B Beats with Advanced Turnarounds What Is a Turnaround (and Why Does It Matter)? A turnaround is a short chord sequence — usually one or two bars — that “turns” the harmony back to the start of the progression or into a new section. Instead of looping the same chords, a […]
But what exactly separates these two? Why do Neo Soul chords sound more complex or “jazzy,” while RnB chords feel emotionally clear and grounded? More importantly — how can you use both in your own productions? Whether you’re composing with piano chords, browsing a chord finder, or auditioning MIDI packs, this guide will break down […]
What Makes a Chord “Neo Soul”? Neo soul chords often use jazzy extensions, added tones, and creative voicings. You’ll frequently find chords like minor 9th (m9), major 7th (maj7), dominant 13th (13), and chords with altered notes (like #9 or b13). These chords are designed to be expressive, adding tension and release to your playing. […]
If you’ve ever listened to a dreamy R&B track, soul music on guitar, or a laid-back lo-fi beat and wondered how producers get that smooth, emotional vibe, chances are you’re hearing neo soul chords in action. These rich, lush voicings—common in modern soul, jazz, and RnB chord progressions—are a hallmark of artists like D’Angelo, Erykah […]
Below, we’ll break down 10 of the most distinctive R&B chord progressions (plus a bonus vamp), with practical examples and tips to bring authentic soul to your music. 1. I–IV–viidim–iii–vi–ii–V–I (Turnaround / Cycle of 4ths) Example in C:Cmaj7 – Fmaj7 – Bdim7 – Em7 – Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 Vibe:This classic R&B […]
