So I've recently been getting into trying to make future RnB/soul samples and beats, but I'm struggling with the chord progressions and lead melodies. Sound selection and general production I'm content with so far, but other than some set chord progressions, I don't really know/understand how to make these RnB/soulful progressions intuitively. Maybe I'm so used to playing in key strictly, so I don't really know what chords to borrow? I'd highly appreciate it if someone could point me to a few books/learning resources so I can get better.
I currently watch a lot of "Stefan Guy" on Youtube, but his videos tend to teach you the progressions, they don't really teach you WHY they work so well(He's damn good, but I'd like to learn more theory-wise).
Edit: Also, lead melodies. Same issue, sound selection is fine, but the melodies/solos don't sound RnB enough to me? if that makes sense.

As for references, Devvon Terrell really got me into this style, I'll link a few songs below.

A Playlist of his album:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kVABXItlpU0dvBOzjCn_7_CIGBnZ290uA

Some of my favourites:

Any help is appreciated! Hopefully this is the right sub-forum!

 

Last edited: May 11, 2021

So, you are saying you want to learn some music theory. I'd say, go for it. Commit to it !

some people refference rick beato as a good teacher. (i like him, but he doesn't "speak to me" if you know what i mean)

here are 2 of his vids to get you started.

if you haven't tried out https://www.hooktheory.com/ then that might be one way to get started with borrow some progressions and make them suit your tunes.

 

Thank you for the suggestion! Fortunately, I've been learning theory(classical, under Trinity Guildhall) for quite a while so that hasn't been an issue, but the theory behind what makes RnB, well, RnB, is so much more IMO. Like sure, I can throw in some extended chords and switch from the minor 5 to a dominant 7th chord and it helps, but it still lacks that RnB "Flavour" if that makes sense. With Trinity, I've been learning theory as it relates to classical music, so I haven't gotten to learn much about gospel and soul music, which I assume is where RnB stems from.

To clear things up further: My problem isn't making normal chord progressions, that's all fine, but they don't sound as RnB as I'd like, and from what I can tell, that's because RnB and Gospel/Soul progressions tend to use a lot of borrowed chords, not just extensions, so I'd like to learn how to borrow chords from other keys intuitively.

 

for this particular style "neosoul" (it's all based on blues/jazz heh..)

the best source and tutorials are probably on this youtube channel, -i'd be surprised you didn't know about it.

"Gospelmusicians" and Jamal Hartwell is a great musician hes all the way in rnb/neo soul


https://www.youtube.com/gospelmusicians/videos

 

Last edited: May 11, 2021

Good call!
Jamal is the guy!

 

Cheers, sorry for assuming you where a "beginner/noob" but we get alot of those here :D

reading your respons, it seems you already have come to realize what you need to do next.



You got this!

edit: just watched this one from Jamal. he talks about the "why" and "how" aswell on this one

 

Last edited: May 11, 2021

Thanks a lot for your input @reliefsan and @Moleman ! Channel seems really promising, I'll look into it for sure!

 

@Hareesh S
The only teacher I had for a short while was a jazz pianist, so I already had a grasp because the jazz elements are in the gospel, and then the neo-soul.
But truly, even after 30 years of playing, it was Jamal Hartwell who completed things for me!
I have to say it!
Uh, so just another +1 for Jamal really! lol.

Oh, and if you look up Gospel Musicians at the sister site, some of the vids are there.
But the best one imo is only on the tracker I think.
'Fundamentals of Neo-Soul Keyboard'.
Covers Theory of Neo-Soul, Major 9, Major 9 and Circle.
Flatted Notes and R&B style.
Chinese Runs.
Minor 11 and advanced techniques.
7th Chord Circle Ending.
Also includes bonus soloing techniques and some of the vids at the sister site are part of it!

edit: you will only find snippets on his YT channel.
These things were products that he was selling.

 

Last edited: May 11, 2021

So far, his videos are really eye opening, so I have no doubt this is spot on! Thank you!

 

Oh mate, found this one from around 2013. He's re-upped it last year.
This is part of the Fundamentals videos I think.
I remember liking this one and I recommend it.

 

lovely music and video...

 

I think so too! The chords and melodies just hit different, which is why I want to emulate them so badly!

 

Jeff Schneider's Youtube channel and Jamiroquai's tutorials might be another good free learning resource.

 

Hi Matt! lol.
Okay, this is getting spooky now. Long story.

 

If you have Ableton live this is a great max for live plugin that can give you these chords.