Neo-Soul and R&B Chord Progressions: 9ths, Drop-2 and Lazy Swing

ii9–V9–Imaj9–vi9

In C major / A minor

Dm9 – G9 – Cmaj9 – Am9

Feel

The smooth, jazzy cadence loop

IV–iii–ii–I

In C major / A minor

Fmaj9 – Em9 – Dm9 – Cmaj9

Feel

A lazy descending walk, very D'Angelo

Imaj9–iii9–vi9–ii9

In C major / A minor

Cmaj9 – Em9 – Am9 – Dm9

Feel

Floating, never quite resolves

i9–iv9

In C major / A minor

Am9 – Dm9

Feel

Two-chord minor vamp for grooves and hooks

IV–iv–I–vi

In C major / A minor

Fmaj9 – Fm9 – Cmaj9 – Am9

Feel

Bittersweet, gospel-tinged R&B

i–VI–ii–V (minor)

In C major / A minor

Am9 – Fmaj9 – Bø7 – E7

Feel

Darker R&B ballads