Neo Soul Harmony – An Introduction

Welcome to this lesson on Neo Soul Piano. In this session, we explore the unique harmonic language of Neo Soul and how it draws from jazz harmony while incorporating elements of R&B, contemporary pop, and hip-hop influences.

If you’re new to this style, don’t worry—we’ll break down the essential elements, listen to some defining recordings, and demonstrate how to voice chords in a way that captures the lush, soulful sound of Neo Soul.

What Is Neo Soul?

Neo Soul is a subgenre of contemporary R&B that blends elements of jazz, gospel, and soul music. The harmonic language of Neo Soul is heavily inspired by jazz, incorporating extended chords such as minor 9th, minor 11th, and 13th chords. However, unlike jazz, Neo Soul often avoids traditional 2-5-1 progressions in favor of cyclic, looped chord progressions.

Another defining feature of Neo Soul is its rhythmic foundation, which is often driven by hip-hop and funk-inspired drum beats. Instead of the swing feel commonly found in jazz, Neo Soul grooves are rooted in laid-back, syncopated rhythms that create a smooth yet sophisticated sound.

Essential Chords & Voicings

To capture the sound of Neo Soul, we must understand the voicing techniques that define the style. The most common chords found in this genre include:

• Minor 9 and Minor 11 Chords – These chords are foundational in Neo Soul harmony. For example, Bb-11 (Bb, F, Ab, C, Eb) creates a rich, lush sound.
• Major 7 and Major 13 Chords – These voicings often replace traditional dominant chords. For instance, Fmaj7 (F, A, C, E) can be expanded into an Fmaj13 (F, A, C, E, G, D).
• 13sus Chords – Dominant chords are often replaced with sus voicings. A common example is G13sus (G, C, F, A, E), which provides a modern, open sound compared to a traditional G7 chord.
• Cluster Voicings – Tight clusters of notes, such as playing the 9th, 3rd, and 11th closely together, create the rich textures characteristic of Neo Soul.

Common Chord Progressions

Neo Soul chord progressions typically avoid dominant resolutions and instead focus on smooth voice leading. Here’s an example of a common looped progression in this style:

Bb-11 → G-9 → Gbmaj13 → Eb-11

This cyclical movement creates a hypnotic, groove-based harmonic structure that allows for expressive improvisation and melodic embellishment.

Instead of functional harmony leading to a clear resolution, Neo Soul chords often move in small, stepwise motions. For example, moving a Bb-11 down a minor third to G-9 creates a smooth transition that feels fluid rather than forced.

Grace Notes & Melodic Embellishments

Another key feature of Neo Soul piano playing is the use of grace notes and slides. This technique, borrowed from gospel and blues piano, involves sliding into chord tones from a half-step below, often on the 3rd or 7th of a chord.

For example, in an Fmaj7 chord (F, A, C, E), you can slide into the A from a G# or the E from a D#. This subtle touch adds an expressive quality to chord voicings and makes the harmony feel more organic.

How Neo Soul Differs From Jazz

While Neo Soul borrows heavily from jazz harmony, there are some key differences:

1. Less Use of Dominant Chords – Unlike jazz, which relies on 2-5-1 progressions, Neo Soul favors minor and major chord movements without resolving to dominant chords.
2. Loop-Based Progressions – Many Neo Soul songs feature a repeating 3- or 4-chord loop rather than the through-composed progressions found in jazz standards.
3. Rhythmic Approach – Instead of swing rhythms, Neo Soul grooves are often based on hip-hop and R&B beats, with syncopation and laid-back phrasing.

Practice Tips

1. Learn Your Minor 9 and Minor 11 Voicings – These chords form the foundation of Neo Soul harmony. Start by playing them in different keys.
2. Experiment With Cluster Voicings – Try playing the 9th, 3rd, and 11th of a chord closely together to achieve a rich, full sound.
3. Use Grace Notes & Slides – Slide into chord tones from a half-step below to add a soulful, expressive touch to your voicings.
4. Listen To Neo Soul Artists – Study recordings by Robert Glasper, D’Angelo, and Erykah Badu to hear how these concepts are applied in real music.
5. Play Along With a Beat – Neo Soul is groove-based, so practice your chord voicings with a drum loop or backing track to develop a strong rhythmic feel.

By incorporating these techniques, you can begin to develop a deep understanding of Neo Soul harmony and integrate it into your own playing. Happy practicing!