Play only the root notes or root-and-fifth shells to establish a rock-solid bass foundation.
Instead of stacking chords in thirds (tertian harmony), stack them in fourths. Quartal voicings sound ambiguous, modern, and incredibly smooth. For example, instead of playing a standard minor 7th chord, stack notes like E - A - D - G . Grace Notes and "Slurs" neo soul chord progressions piano pdf
Playing the right notes is only half the battle. You need specific stylistic techniques to make the piano truly sound "neo soul." Play only the root notes or root-and-fifth shells
To get that true jazzy neo soul edge, you must add upper extensions like the 9th, 11th, and 13th notes of the scale. For example, instead of playing a standard minor
Practice the bassline with your left hand alongside a metronome or a simple drum loop before adding the complex right-hand extensions.
Practice these common progressions in multiple keys. They serve as the backbone for hundreds of neo soul tracks. The Classic 2-5-1-4 Progression
Here are four foundational neo soul chord progressions written in universal Roman numeral analysis, followed by concrete examples in specific keys. Progression 1: The Smooth Jazz Foundation (ii - V - I - IV)