Banjo · Level 10 · Expert
A neo-soul chord loop in A major on Banjo
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Extended chords in a slow, looping progression give the floating sound of neo-soul. This is a test of voicing control and gentle timing.
Dmaj9
Notes: D · F♯ · A · C♯ · E
C♯m7
Notes: C♯ · E · G♯ · B
F♯m9
Notes: F♯ · A · C♯ · E · G♯
Bm9
Notes: B · D · F♯ · A · C♯
E13
Notes: E · G♯ · B · D · F♯ · C♯
Amaj9
Notes: A · C♯ · E · G♯ · B
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: Dmaj9, C♯m7, F♯m9, Bm9, E13 and Amaj9. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- The short fifth string (g) is only played open; let it ring when it fits the chord.
- Set the tempo to 81 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Play behind the beat with a light touch, and keep every voicing close to the last.
- Pinch the bass and top strings on beat one, then roll thumb–index–middle through the other strings.
- Raise the tempo to 108 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for smooth, connected voicings with a clear top note.
Listen for
Aim for smooth, connected voicings with a clear top note. A common mistake is playing the chords too short or too loud.
Why it works
Starting on IV delays the arrival on I; the extensions blur the chord functions for a dreamy effect.
A major has 3 sharps; its relative minor key is F♯ minor.
Questions
What are the chords in IVmaj9–iii7–vi9–ii9–V13 in A major?
In A major the progression is Dmaj9 | C♯m7 | F♯m9 | F♯m9 | Bm9 | E13 | Amaj9 | Amaj9.
What is the key signature of A major?
A major has 3 sharps. Its relative minor is F♯ minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 10 lesson (expert). If it feels too hard, start with “The jazz blues”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
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