前 10 种 R&B 和弦进行，打造极度顺滑的曲目

R&B，即节奏布鲁斯，是一种充满情感共鸣和音乐创新的丰富织锦。

这种音乐流派融合了动人的旋律、复杂的节奏和充满深情的歌词。

了解 R&B 的核心，尤其是它的和弦进行，可以显著提升你的曲目，并使其达到全新的、引人入胜的水平。

同时也能让它们与听众产生深刻的共鸣，并让他们不断回响。

在今天的文章中，我们将解析：

• R&B 和弦进行的基础 ✓
• 调号 ✓
• 大调和小调和弦及音阶 ✓
• 将 R&B 与嘻哈和爵士融合 ✓
• R&B 中的贝斯基础 ✓
• 顶尖 10 首 R&B 和弦进行 ✓
• 特定和弦的独特作用 ✓
• 非传统和弦方法 ✓
• 提升和弦进行的高级技巧 ✓

拥有了这些新知识，你将准备好创作能够改变你歌曲的 R&B 和弦进行。

这样，你可以创作出真正闪耀并吸引（并打动）你听众的歌曲。

那么，让我们开始吧…

R&B 和弦进行 101

R&B，即 Rhythm and Blues，一直是音乐产业中一个定义性的流派，通常以其为特征：

• 情感丰富的演唱
• 切分节奏
• 丰富的和弦进行

任何 R&B 曲目的核心都是和弦进行——创造旋律并构成歌曲主干的和弦序列。

R&B 和弦进行通常复杂且充满情感。

它们借鉴了各种和弦，包括大调和小调，以及延音和弦和变化和弦。

这些和弦（当以特定的顺序演奏时）唤起与该流派相关的标志性情绪和灵魂感。

这不仅仅在于弹奏任何序列；而在于理解紧张与释放、不协和与和谐的相互作用。

另一个特征元素是使用“蓝调音符”，即落在传统西方音乐音阶之间的音符。

这些蓝调音符在和弦进行中运用时，赋予了 R&B 独特的、充满灵魂的边缘感，因为它融合了大小调和弦的界限。

在本文中，我们将分解你需要了解的所有关于 R&B 和弦进行的内容，以便你真正能够闪耀并创作出一些非常充满灵魂的曲目。

和弦进行中的调号

调号是任何专业歌曲的基础路线图，设定了调中心和情绪。

在 R&B 中，调性的选择可以显著影响歌曲的情感共鸣。

作为一名音乐制作人，理解大调和小调的重要性非常重要。

大调，以其明亮和令人振奋的音调，在 R&B 中常用来传达以下情感：

• Joy
• 爱
• 乐观

大调和弦具有某种温暖和积极，可以让歌曲感觉开阔和广阔。

另一方面，小调充满了更忧郁和内省的情绪，非常适合表达：

• 心碎
• 悲伤
• 更深刻的内省

当 R&B 歌手想深入挖掘情感或增添一丝戏剧性时，他们通常会使用小调。

然而，R&B 的美在于它能够无缝融合这两个世界。

一首歌在主调和小调之间转换是很常见的，为听众带来过山车般的情感体验。

这些和弦的二元性，以及在不同和弦之间切换的能力，允许进行多种表达。

从爱情的初绽之高到痛苦的分手之低，它涵盖了所有，且使用同一个调。

小调和弦与大调和弦有什么区别？

音乐理论的核心在于小调和 majeur 和弦之间的区别。

这些和弦为我们在听到的许多音乐提供了情感背景，每个和弦都承载着其独特的情感分量和色彩。

它们是多 genre 歌曲的基石，但对于任何涉足歌曲创作或音乐制作的人来说，理解它们独特的品质和特征至关重要。

• A 大和弦

大调和弦让人联想到快乐、明亮和积极的感觉。

基本的大三和弦由根音、大三度和纯五度组成。

例如，考虑 C 大三和弦。它由以下音符组成：

• C (根音)
• E (大三度)
• G (纯五度)

当演奏时，它散发出一种欢快和决心的感觉。

在 R&B 和许多其他流派中，大和弦常常构成歌曲或整体基调乐观的曲目中振奋部分的基础。

如果你想知道关于主和弦或主和弦进行的一切，我们都有涵盖。

• A 小调和弦

小调和弦带来忧郁、悲伤或内省的感觉。

它们是由根音、小三度和纯五度构成的。以 A 小调和弦为例，它由以下音符构成：

• A (根音)
• C (小三度)
• E (纯五度)

这个和弦，当弹奏时，会散发出更忧郁或沉思的氛围。

在 R&B 中，小调和弦可以用来为歌曲带来深度、内省和一丝悲伤，使其与听众产生深刻的共鸣。

如果你想知道关于小调和弦或小调和弦进行的一切，我们也在那方面为你提供信息。

深入挖掘 R&B 和弦结构

在 R&B 中，重要的不仅是你弹奏的和弦，还有你弹奏的方式。因此，让我们深入探讨那些赋予 R&B 其独特且极具吸引力的声音的精妙之处。

• 扩展和弦：R&B 华丽音效的支柱

大三和弦，包括 7 和弦、9 和弦、11 和弦和 13 和弦，是 R&B 音乐中的常用元素。

这些大三和弦为音乐增添了复杂性、深度和丰富性，创造出 R&B 音乐以其著称的华丽、灵魂感。

使用延伸和弦不仅仅是添加音符……

它们在和弦中引入微妙的紧张感和解决，使进行更富情感。

一个简单的三和弦可能听起来清晰直白，但当它被转化为九和弦或十一和弦时，它便获得了一种全新的情感维度。

例如，Cmaj7 和弦（C 大三和弦的扩展形式）具有梦幻般的、缥缈的品质，这是基本 C 大三和弦无法达到的。

这种深度和复杂性使得进行更富有表现力、情感更丰富的进行，能够触动人心弦。

此外，这些和弦还可以作为过渡和弦或经过和弦，使进行更平滑并增加意想不到的转折。

它们能将一个简单、可预测的和弦进行转变为新鲜而引人入胜的东西。

• 和弦转位在 R&B 中的魔力

和弦转位在塑造 R&B 和弦进行的声音和流畅性方面起着关键作用。

与其在根音位置弹奏和弦，和弦转位会重新排列和弦的音符，将不同的音符作为低音。

这些转位可以服务于几个目的。

首先，它们可以创造更平滑的和弦过渡，使进行更自然地流动。

例如，当使用 C 大调和弦的第一转位（将 E 置于低音）时，从 C 大调和弦过渡到 Am7 会更平滑。

此外，和弦转位可以为和弦进行增添一丝惊喜和新鲜感，打破常规。

它们能让一个熟悉的进行曲听起来完全新颖迷人。

最后，转位可以引入微妙的情感细微差别。

一个和弦以其根音位置弹奏时可能听起来稳定和扎实，而其转位可能听起来更不安或内省。

借用和弦与调式互换

深入到高级音乐理论概念中，“借用和弦”和“调式互换”作为技巧脱颖而出，它们可以为你的 R&B 进行曲注入独特性和丰富性。它们可以带来节奏上的新鲜变化，并使你的曲目/R&B 和弦进行曲更加令人难忘。

• 借用和弦

借用和弦，或从平行调中取来的和弦，为和弦进行引入意想不到的惊喜转折提供了一种方式。

通过融入歌曲主调之外的和弦，你可以创造出意想不到的调性变化，从而吸引听众的注意力。

这种技巧常用于 R&B 和弦进行中，以注入惊喜和情感深度。

• 模态互换

模态互换，与借用和弦密切相关，是指在进程中切换不同模态或音阶的和弦的一种做法。

例如，在大调中，人们可能会从其平行小调中引入一个和弦——增添一丝短暂的黑暗或忧郁。

例如，在一个基于 C 大调的进行中，引入 Bb 大调和弦（来自 C 混合利底亚调式或 C 小调）可以营造出一种深情、蓝调的感觉。

这种意想不到的转变能唤起强烈的情感，带领听众踏上不可预测的旅程。

These techniques enrich the harmonic landscape of a song.

Instead of sticking to the conventional chords within a key, borrowed chords and modal interchange offer a broader palette of colors to paint with.

The Top 10 R&B Chord Progressions

Within the soulful realms of R&B, chord progressions are the backbone, breathing life and emotion into each track.

Here are the top 10 r&b chord progressions that have left a permanent mark on the genre, and can help you find your key signature sound, whether you’re a guitar player or producer.

Whether it starts with the ii chord, iii chord, v chord, c major chord or I chord, we’re breaking them all down.

#1. The Classic ii-V-I (Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7)

The ii-V-I chord progression, originating from jazz, has found a rich home in R&B, and is a great starting point if you’re new to creating a chord progression.

Dm7 sets the stage with its gentle melancholy and produces a super reflective mood.

It’s a chord progression that beckons the listener into a world of introspection, perhaps hinting at memories of past love.

The G7 introduces an element of suspense.

This dominant chord adds tension, a musical twist, urging the narrative forward 一 waiting for a resolution, echoing longing and anticipation.

The resolution arrives in the form of Cmaj7, a serene and comforting chord.

It’s the musical equivalent of finding solace, wrapping up the emotional journey initiated by the preceding chords.

#2. The 6-2-5-1 Progression (Am7 – Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7)

The 6-2-5-1 chord progression starts with Am7, a chord steeped in yearning.

It creates an ambiance of romantic introspection, perfect for recounting lost loves or reminiscing about better times.

Dm7 deepens the narrative, which adds layers to the story.

It’s the turning point, introducing complexity and depth (like an unexpected plot twist in a riveting novel).

G7, the dominant, acts as the climax 一 a culmination of the building emotions, hinting at a forthcoming resolution.

It’s a chord full of promise and hope, because Cmaj7 really paints a picture of peace, acceptance, and resolution.

It’s a reminder that every story, no matter how tumultuous, can find its comforting end.

#3. Descending Progression (Emaj7 – D#m7 – G#m7 – F#m7)

Beginning with Emaj7, there’s an overwhelming sense of majesty and elevation with this chord progression.

It feels like the initial stages of an unforgettable love affair, where everything feels grand and prosperous.

Emaj7 is clarity in musical form, representing moments of pure realization and acknowledgment.

As the progression descends to D#m7, it introduces a touch of introspection and sobriety.

This chord feels like a:

• Slight hesitation
• Second thought
• Maybe even the first hints of complications in our unfolding story

G#m7 amplifies the emotional depth.

It’s a dive deeper into the complexities of relationships and emotions.

Wrapping up with F#m7, there’s a soothing, comforting touch.

It’s like finding solace in acceptance, understanding, or mutual comfort between two souls.

#4. Ascending Minor 7th Sequence (Dm7 – Em7 – Fm7 – Gm7)

The Ascending Minor 7th Sequence chord progression is a common progression in r&b.

Dm7 sets a contemplative mood, evoking feelings of deep reflection, like when you’re lost in thought and nothing else matters.

With Em7, there’s a subtle shift or gradual elevation 一 like hope is on the horizon or a change is imminent.

Em7 can also resemble a reassuring pat, a comfort that there’s more to explore.

The story progresses to Fm7, which introduces a delightful mix of optimism and uncertainty.

It’s the dawn of a new day, but with clouds hinting at an upcoming storm.

Gm7 concludes the ascent, bringing about a realization or acceptance of the journey’s challenges.

It essentially highlights the importance of growth through experiences.

#5. The Neo-Soul IV (Fmaj7 – E7#9 – Am9 – Gm7 – C7)

Neo-Soul, as a subgenre, has a unique and unmistakable sound that has beautifully integrated itself into the larger world of R&B, and should definitely be added to your musical vocabulary.

It infuses an essence of:

1. Jazz
2. Gospel
3. Sometimes even a hint of funk

The Neo-Soul IV chord progression epitomizes this richness.

Starting with the Fmaj7, there’s a sense of beginning a story or introducing a sentiment.

The E7#9 chord is often referred to as the “Hendrix chord” due to its prominence in the rock legend’s music.

But within the context of Neo-Soul and R&B, this chord introduces tension, a bit of sonic intrigue.

Following up with Am9 and Gm7, the progression smoothly transitions 一 giving a soulful journey between moods.

Finally, the C7 chord acts as a sort of resolution, but with a dominant twist that keeps the progression from feeling too settled.

Additionally, the voicings often utilized in Neo-Soul music incorporate extensions beyond the 7th, resulting in chords like the:

• 9th
• 11th
• 13th

This expanded harmonic language creates a deeper emotional resonance which makes the music sound lush, expansive, and more expressive.

#6. Suspended Resolution (Dm7 – Dsus2 – G7 – Cmaj9)

The suspended resolution chord progression is one of my favorites.

Dm7 sets a tone of gentle melancholy, giving an initial somber touch which feels like happy memories or lost love.

As the progression moves to Dsus2, there’s a slight lift 一 like a breath caught between words, a pause in a conversation, or the anticipation of the words yet to come.

It adds a delicate suspense to the narrative.

G7 enters the scene with assertiveness and breaks the prior calmness with its dominant tonality.

It feels like a realization or an epiphany, similar to seeing things in a new light.

Concluding with Cmaj9, there’s a sense of homecoming and resolution, as if all the prior emotional dynamics find their resting place (signaling peace and contentment).

#7. Modern R&B 1-5-6-4 Progression (Cmaj7 – Gmaj7 – Am7 – Fmaj7)

Starting with Cmaj7, there’s a sincere and pure emotion with the modern r&b 1-5-6-4 chord progression.

The beginning is wholesome, a portrait of genuine feelings and simplicity.

Gmaj7 amplifies the positive aura.

It’s the joyous moments, the hearty laughter, and the carefree dances that this chord brings to the mind.

Transitioning into Am7 introduces a slight contrast.

It feels introspective 一 highlighting the bittersweet nuances of love and life.

The progression culminates with Fmaj7.

It encapsulates the varied emotions and ties them into a beautiful tale of love, loss, and everything in between.

#8. Diminished Passing Chord (Cmaj7 – C#dim7 – Dm7 – G7)

Cmaj7 is like the beginning of a sunny day.

Its major tonality reflects a positive outlook, symbolizing optimism and brightness.

The narrative takes a super intriguing twist with C#dim7.

This chord, with its diminished character, introduces a hint of mystery, unease, and psytrance; almost like a twist in a tale.

Dm7 follows, bringing the story back to a more familiar territory.

It feels calm yet colored with a shade of introspection.

Wrapping up with G7, there’s a sense of anticipation, a build-up for what’s next 一 emphasizing the cyclical nature of emotions and experiences.

In essence, this specific chord progression is very intriguing and captivating.

#9. Alternate Minor Progression (Am9 – Bm7b5 – E7#9 – Am9)

Am9 provides a deeply soulful start.

It evokes a myriad of emotions, from sneaky and introspection to love and yearning.

As we move to Bm7b5, there’s a certain unrest.

This chord serves as a reflection of complexities, capturing the perplexing moments of life and love.

E7#9 introduces a tinge of drama, evoking:

• Passion
• Intensity
• Bit of unpredictability

It symbolizes the highs and lows of relationships.

Returning to Am9, the chord progression feels complete 一 drawing a full circle (no, not like the circle of fifths), hinting at the cyclic nature of feelings and experiences.

#10. Phrygian Modal Flavor (E – Fmaj7 – Em7 – Dm7)

The Phrygian modal flavor chord progression begins with the chord E in its major form, which gives it an authoritative start.

It’s bold and unapologetic, commanding attention right from the jump, making this chord progression especially alluring.

Transitioning into Fmaj7, there’s a swift alteration.

This chord feels like a sign of hope after a foolish moment.

Em7 deepens the mood, creating an ambience filled with sentiments and deep reflections (like a quiet moment after a storm).

Dm7 serves as the calming endnote, wrapping up the vi chord sequence with feelings of resolution and peace; perhaps hinting at new beginnings.

Advanced Techniques & Tips For R&B Chord Progressions

Venturing into creative R&B chord progressions require a fusion of traditional musical knowledge with modern innovation. The combination of different music theories and technology provides a plethora of options. Let’s explore these in depth…

• Slash Chords 

Slash chords are invaluable tools for you; the modern producer.

Mastering this technique can elevate your compositions 一 bringing depth and a touch of sophistication to your R&B chord progressions.

Slash chords bring a distinct flavor to hip-hop, trap, and lo-fi beats.

They consist of a regular chord, but with a specified different bass note.

This ‘inversion’ can add richer harmonies and give a completely different feel to a progression.

For instance, while D/F# may contain the same notes as a D major chord, the prominence of the F# bass gives it a different color.

If you ever joined an online guitar community than you’ll find they always use slash chords.

• Bass Note Fundamentals in R&B Chord Progressions

In the world of hip-hop and R&B, the bassline is much more than just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of a song.

Bass notes shape the track’s overall sound, laying the foundation over which other instruments dance.

They determine the groove; guiding listeners through the song’s emotional and rhythmic journey.

R&B chord progressions often rely on the bassline to provide depth and movement.

The bass can:

• Play a simple root note 一 Reinforcing the chord’s foundation.
• Play around the chord 一 Introducing melodic elements and creating counterpoints.

The role of the bass in these R&B chord progressions is to ensure a seamless transition between chords, maintaining the flow and feel of the track.

Understanding and mastering bass note fundamentals allow you to create dynamic and engaging tracks.

By recognizing which bass notes resonate with specific chord progressions, one can significantly enhance the emotional and rhythmic depth of a song.

Unconventional Chord Practices

In the realm of R&B, while traditional chord progressions remain foundational, pushing the boundaries by experimenting with unconventional chords and music theory can bring a distinct flavor to your compositions.

• Diminished Chords

Diminished chords bring tension and drama, creating an almost haunting allure to a progression.

They are built by stacking minor thirds and have a dissonant quality.

Which, when finally resolved, offers listeners a super delightful sense of release.

For example, a transition from a “vi chord” or “i chord” to a “bvii chord” can be gracefully bridged using a diminished chord 一 offering an unexpected but pleasing twist to the ears.

If you’d like to learn everything about diminished chords, we’ve got you covered.

• The Use of The bVii Chord

While not the most common in R&B, the “bVii chord” can inject an exotic flair into your chord progression.

Imagine starting with an “F major chord” and then venturing into the territory of “bVii.”

It can offer a surprising turn, making your listeners sit up and take notice.

The bVii, being a borrowed chord (not extended chord) from the parallel minor, brings a touch of the unexpected.

Yet it feels oddly familiar, which creates a sense of intrigue.

• Non-Diatonic Chords

Non-diatonic chords are those that don’t naturally belong in the key.

This can introduce a jarring, yet intriguing element into the unique music you’re creating and promoting.

• Modulation

Modulation, shifting from one key to another, adds layers of complexity and keeps the listener engaged.

It serves as a powerful tool in a songwriter’s arsenal 一 allowing for a seamless transition from one emotional landscape to another.

By introducing a new key (even briefly) you can invoke a heightened sense of:

• Tension
• Anticipation
• Release

This shift can reinvigorate a piece, especially in longer compositions, by providing fresh harmonic context and breaking any monotony.

Skilled use of modulation can turn an ordinary song into a full-blown journey.

It keeps the listener on their toes as they travel through varying moods and sonic textures.

• Chord Voicings & Extensions

Chord voicings and extensions, where notes of a chord progression are rearranged or added, can transform a common chord into something entirely new.

Such practices, while unconventional, can be the very thing that sets a track apart and excels its appeal, especially when it comes to R&B chord progressions.

They provide it with an identity and flavor that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

If you want to learn all about chord voicings, we’ve got you covered in our chord voicings article.

• Eb Major Scale & D Minor Scale

The Eb major scale, consisting of the notes Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C-D, brings with it a certain richness.

When used in R&B chord progressions, chords formed from this scale (like Ebmaj7 or Bbmin7) can produce a smooth, buttery sound that’s distinctly soulful.

On the other hand, the D minor scale, with its notes D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C, offers a touch of gloom.

Dm7, Gm7, or A7b9 are some chords derived from this scale that can be found in soulful ballads or more contemplative R&B tracks.

When used effectively, this scale can evoke a deep sense of nostalgia or longing.

R&B Chord Progressions: Final Thoughts

The captivating essence of R&B lies deeply within its chord structures, harmonies, and the emotions they evoke.

As you start creating your own tracks, remember that understanding these chord progressions is essential.

From classics to the unconventional, each progression has the potential to play over and over again in your listener’s minds.

It pulls them into the narrative you craft with your music.

If you’re looking to step up your game and seek inspiration from the absolute best chord progressions in the game, then the Free Essential Famous MIDI Chord Progressions pack is an invaluable resource.

It contains 24 unique MIDI progressions inspired by songs from chart-toppers like Ariana Grande and the Weeknd.

Utilizing this pack not only introduces you to world-class chord combinations but also provides a foundation for discovering your unique musical voice.

It allows you to deepen your analytical ear and produce versatile chord structures beyond just R&B chord progressions.

This can seriously enhance your compositions across multiple genres and blow the competition away.

With these tools and knowledge at your disposal, you’re going to knock out R&B chord progressions that even Usher would be envious of.

Until next time…