R&B Chord Progressions
R&B inherits jazz harmony but voices it differently — wider, lusher, with more attention to the bassline. Slash chords are fundamental: a Cmaj7/E or a Bm/D shifts the harmonic center without changing the chord quality. Neo-soul takes this further with rich 9th and 11th extensions.
Defining characteristics
- →Extended chords: maj9, m9, m11, 13
- →Slash chords for stepwise bass motion
- →Chromatic passing chords between diatonic targets
- →Suspended dominants (V7sus4 → V7)
- →Modal interchange (♭VII, ♭III) for hip-hop flavor
Example progressions
Neo-soul classic
Imaj9 – iiim7 – vim9 – iim11 · C major
The D'Angelo / Erykah Badu sound — every chord stacked with extensions, no triads in sight.
Modern R&B ballad
Imaj7 – iiim7 – ivm7 – ♭VIIsus4 · C major
The borrowed iv minor adds the bittersweet lift heard in Frank Ocean and SZA productions.
90s R&B vamp
iim7 – V7 – iiim7 – vim7 · C major
Backdoor cycle with smooth voice leading — Babyface, Boyz II Men territory.
Songs in this style
Untitled (How Does It Feel) — D'Angelo
E♭maj7 – Fm7 – Gm7 – A♭maj7
Pyramids — Frank Ocean
Em – Am – D – G
Generate your own r&b chord progressions
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