How To Play Neo Soul Chord Progressions

Here I show you some Neo-Soul changes and explain some of the thinking behind them. Plenty of ideas for players writers and producers who are new to this genre!
I also show you how I approach passing chords.

Click on my affiliate link if you are looking to buy any music gear!

[pzumhij]

The aesthetic of the thumbnail is simply scrumptious.

[jvjfo]

So humble, “I’m self-trained” “I don’t know all the theory”. Then defines the theory and approach perfectly. Great work.

[stationstation]

As someone who has taken classical piano lessons as a youth for ~8 years, I can read notation, play Chopin, Bach Inventions, and all that - BUT this is such foreign territory....jazz, soul, improvisation. This is a beautiful and malleable art while classical is so strict. People think because we classical people can play piano, we can do this. NOPE. Matt has said he can't read notation. I would trade my sight reading skills in a minute to be able to improvise. What's more, it also feels like we classically trained folks are handcuffed to NOT be able to do this. Neo Soul and jazz concepts feel like an answer to a question we can't figure out how to ask because we classical folks have played other peoples music all our career. The only embellishment we add are dynamics, rubato, and phrasing. After that it's just other peoples chords and melodies.. Hard to explain why it's so difficult. Being a classical pianist is like knowing how to read a book. Being an improvisor is like being able to AUTHOR a book.

[TheAlantheking]

CHORDS PROGRESSION
CMaj9 | B7aug5#9 Emin9| EbM7aug5 |Dm7 |DbM7aug5 |CMaj7 |F/B |B9 |E11 |E maj 69

second one : Cmin9 | Fmin9 | F/G | DbMaj9 | Cmin9 | Fmin9 | F/G | G7b9aug5


I'll let you check the video for the inversions he is using
thanks you Matt

[vocalpro]

I'm self trained, and I don't know all the theory and you'll have to forgive and plays in one of the biggest kick ass bands in the world.
No forgiveness required 🧡🤘

[andrewhudson]

This guy is in an A class band and is giving all these tutorials away for free, cheers mate keep up the good work!!

[infintiyward]

as a beginner It took me like 5 hours to learn that neo soul progression as you played it. I played it over in slow motion a hundred times or more but I GOT IT at your speed. I love dirty chords so much

[ropewalkingelephant]

As a synth player, something that for the longest time was less than obvious is that I can't stress enough how important it is to have a sustain pedal when playing this stuff!

[kickbiker]

These 'Neo soul' voicings paint such delicate subtle shades. I love the fact you admit you're self-taught, it inspires people that what you're playing IS possible to learn too.
These type of voicings are my favourite type of chords. Great stuff! Thank you so much for posting!

[eagletown]

12:40 pure bliss. Watching a super cool dude playing smooth vibes with feel and precision like he has two independent brains. Life is beautiful…

[rubenvela]

I feel like I entered into a new dimension of musicianship

[andrewmclean]

Wow!! Didn't know Matt wrote Seven Days In Sunny June. Probably my favourite Jamiroquai song....and now I see the chords. Amazing. I've always heard soul chords but never knew how to find them. They hide, someone between the black and white keys, waiting to be teased out and set free. Thanks Matt!!

[faraway_lights]

A man who can barely keep his natural talent under control. Such a gentleman - thanks very much for sharing these amazing techniques. A genuine pleasure to watch your videos.

[N]

The perfect Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and new Matt's material to work with!

[mathieutissandier]

French guy learning some piano jazz here! Your playing is inspiring and this video is a must see for any neo soul pianist enthusiastic, great job and please keep doing this kind of videos!

[John-lvuj]

Raleigh Simmons. The Lord Jesus Christ is teaching me through you WOW!!! I am learning so much from you. I must send you a gift. You deserve it.

[stephaneog]

Matt should propose those neo soul vibe to Jk for future Jamiroquai albums.
The amazing part of the way he plays is that it is so inspiring and practical for a singer to writte vocal on it. Jamiroquai did a good move having him.

[robertshamansky]

I love these progressions. I hear a lot of Steely Dan in them too 😄 Great stuff, thanks Matt!

[theleestevens]

To advanced for me yet, i have played drums for 25 4 days, but this is vey cool to watch

[tedmuss]

Neo Soul Chords, Matt Johnson....'click!’