Banjo · Level 10 · Expert
A neo-soul chord loop in D♭ 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.
G♭maj9
Notes: G♭ · B♭ · D♭ · F · A♭
Fm7
Notes: F · A♭ · C · E♭
B♭m9
Notes: B♭ · D♭ · F · A♭ · C
E♭m9
Notes: E♭ · G♭ · B♭ · D♭ · F
A♭13
Notes: A♭ · C · E♭ · G♭ · B♭ · F
D♭maj9
Notes: D♭ · F · A♭ · C · E♭
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: G♭maj9, Fm7, B♭m9, E♭m9, A♭13 and D♭maj9. 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.
D♭ major has 5 flats; its relative minor key is B♭ minor.
Questions
What are the chords in IVmaj9–iii7–vi9–ii9–V13 in D♭ major?
In D♭ major the progression is G♭maj9 | Fm7 | B♭m9 | B♭m9 | E♭m9 | A♭13 | D♭maj9 | D♭maj9.
What is the key signature of D♭ major?
D♭ major has 5 flats. Its relative minor is B♭ 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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