Mandolin · Level 10 · Expert
A neo-soul chord loop in G 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.
Cmaj9
Notes: C · E · G · B · D
Bm7
Notes: B · D · F♯ · A
Em9
Notes: E · G · B · D · F♯
Am9
Notes: A · C · E · G · B
D13
Notes: D · F♯ · A · C · E · B
Gmaj9
Notes: G · B · D · F♯ · A
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: Cmaj9, Bm7, Em9, Am9, D13 and Gmaj9. 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.
G major has 1 sharp; its relative minor key is E minor.
Questions
What are the chords in IVmaj9–iii7–vi9–ii9–V13 in G major?
In G major the progression is Cmaj9 | Bm7 | Em9 | Em9 | Am9 | D13 | Gmaj9 | Gmaj9.
What is the key signature of G major?
G major has 1 sharp. Its relative minor is E 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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