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.
Amaj9
Notes: A · C♯ · E · G♯ · B
G♯m7
Notes: G♯ · B · D♯ · F♯
C♯m9
Notes: C♯ · E · G♯ · B · D♯
F♯m9
Notes: F♯ · A · C♯ · E · G♯
B13
Notes: B · D♯ · F♯ · A · C♯ · G♯
Emaj9
Notes: E · G♯ · B · D♯ · F♯
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: Amaj9, G♯m7, C♯m9, F♯m9, B13 and Emaj9. 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 4 sharps; 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 Amaj9 | G♯m7 | C♯m9 | C♯m9 | F♯m9 | B13 | Emaj9 | Emaj9.
What is the key signature of E major?
E major has 4 sharps. 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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