H.E.R. R&B Chord Progression - Lush Chords

In this video we look at a H.E.R. inspired R&B chord progression I cooked up. This chord progression features some of my favourite types of chords; the minor 9 in root position, the dominant 7 flat 9 and the dominant 9 sus4. If you take nothing else from this lesson, here's three chords to add to your arsenal.

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[britirock]

As soon as you hit that 2nd chord I was like "oh yea thats HER" lol

[MusixProu]

Sweet! Have you considered playing the whole progression in the beginning, so we know what we're getting beforehand?

[stefanguy]

What key is this in? So I initially said that this is in the key of C. In the final edit however I cut that out as I wasn’t so sure. Turns out I uploaded the first draft with it still in 🙃. Either-way there’s some good debates as to what key this is in going on down in the comment section below.  I was leaning towards C or F. Many are saying F which I now think to be correct. Music scholars assemble - leave your thoughts below as to help somebody else and myself.  

Like I said in one of the comments below, you’re not going to find the best music theory on this channel as this is a “beat making” channel first and foremost and my theory isn’t the greatest. I’m sharing the little I do know to help as and where I can. Mostly chord progressions I think sound good that can help ones production. For now at least. I won’t know all of the theory behind what I play but I’ll continue sharing what I think sounds good and strive to improve my theory so that I can share that too.  

Just to add I originally said C as I used the C major scale heavily in the track I made around this progression. The melody always plays a B as oppose to a Bb. And the b is played often. I may even post a video of me making the beat around this progression if people are interested. Anyways hope you enjoyed the video nonetheless!

[DrAdnan]

I don’t even know what a chord is, but I’m still watching 😂

[lilinyoki]

why does his keyboard start on F it's making me uncomfortable

[DanThePianoManNZ]

I’d say it’s in D minor as all chords fit into the key of D minor [D E F G A Bb C D) by using a mixture of the D harmonic minor scale (D E F G A Bb C#D), D melodic minor (D E F G A B C# D), and the D minor blues scale (D F G G# A C D) which are some of the basic scales used in R&B music. As you mentioned, You could also use the C major scale to improvise over this but really you would just be playing D Dorian scale (D E F G A B C D) which is the same notes as C major but starting on a D. Chord 1 can also be looked at as a rootless D minor9 Chord creating a perfect cadence.

[Soundwave]

Men i really love the way how you teach or show us how to play chord..I can't read notes, but i see how you play the chords and i can play it as well...because i always jam on my keyboards..and try different chords even if i don't know if i do it right but it sounds good...

[zackyang]

30 seconds in and I'm staring in the oblivion. H.E.R's vibes is just so reminiscing. Damn.

[MrIrklazu]

Yes Stefan. Love the new videos...feel like you're really catering to you audience and it's greatly appreciate. Keep it up!

[VilOzBec]

YES YES YES! Thank you for this. With every producer making tutorials about trap melodies and simple chords. We need someone like you whos actually knowledgeable on music and its theory. No one is teaching how to do that modern R&B sound, these soulful beautiful chords, Thank you so much <3 Please please please keep these coming

[markdavenport]

Could you explain "how" the chord progression is built? While it's good to explain the chords themselves, it would be even more useful to explain how to construct a chord progression. For example, what is the tonal center, what are the chord substitutions and where those substitutions come from. Knowing the chords enables one to repeat it. Knowing how to construct a progression unlocks freedom to create.

[moeezmalik]

Oh my goodness this has H.E.R all over it, the second chord is sooo nice!

[actvmaino]

30 seconds in I subscribed!! This is exactly what I was looking for

[TheThediesal]

The second chord blessed my soul. 🙇🏾‍♂️🙇🏾‍♂️🙇🏾‍♂️

[christianrodes]

Dude, this is the YT channel that I needed right now!! Thank You

[joycechahinepiano]

Audio is so clean and that piano sound is so nice!

[Sarav]

Dayumm! Thanks Youtube recommendations! You're a gem, Stefan! Subbed fr💯💯

[Uchawibeatz]

The pad you played at the end gave me goosebumps literally. Really reminiscent of H.E.R, great video!

[R.G..]

I've watched 2 videos on this channel and am super impressed, keep up the good work soldier

[erickbardales]

Love these progressions, definitely keep making these type of video man 💪🏽💪🏽