Mandolin · Level 10 · Expert
A neo-soul chord loop in E♭ major on Mandolin
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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.
A♭maj9
Notes: A♭ · C · E♭ · G · B♭
Gm7
Notes: G · B♭ · D · F
Cm9
Notes: C · E♭ · G · B♭ · D
Fm9
Notes: F · A♭ · C · E♭ · G
B♭13
Notes: B♭ · D · F · A♭ · C · G
E♭maj9
Notes: E♭ · G · B♭ · D · F
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: A♭maj9, Gm7, Cm9, Fm9, B♭13 and E♭maj9. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Mandolin frets are close together, so reach with the fingertips and press each pair of strings evenly.
- 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, then try the bluegrass “chop”: a short, muted strum on beats two and four.
- 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.
E♭ major has 3 flats; its relative minor key is C minor.
Questions
What are the chords in IVmaj9–iii7–vi9–ii9–V13 in E♭ major?
In E♭ major the progression is A♭maj9 | Gm7 | Cm9 | Cm9 | Fm9 | B♭13 | E♭maj9 | E♭maj9.
What is the key signature of E♭ major?
E♭ major has 3 flats. Its relative minor is C 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”.
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