Guitar · Level 10 · Expert
A neo-soul chord loop in D major on Guitar
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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.
Gmaj9
Notes: G · B · D · F♯ · A
F♯m7
Notes: F♯ · A · C♯ · E
Bm9
Notes: B · D · F♯ · A · C♯
Em9
Notes: E · G · B · D · F♯
A13
Notes: A · C♯ · E · G · B · F♯
Dmaj9
Notes: D · F♯ · A · C♯ · E
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: Gmaj9, F♯m7, Bm9, Em9, A13 and Dmaj9. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Press just behind the fret with your fingertips and keep the thumb relaxed behind the neck.
- 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.
- Strum down on every beat at first, then try down–down–up–up–down–up.
- 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 2 sharps; 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 Gmaj9 | F♯m7 | Bm9 | Bm9 | Em9 | A13 | Dmaj9 | Dmaj9.
What is the key signature of D major?
D major has 2 sharps. 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.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
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