Playing Neo Soul guitar in 5 steps

By Rodrigo Gouveia

Playing Neo Soul guitar in 5 steps

Today, I’m going to share with you 5 steps to playing Neo Soul guitar that will help you incorporate these elements into your guitar playing.

Neo Soul emerged in the mid-90s, blending elements of Soul, Hip Hop, and Jazz. This fusion creates a modern and sophisticated sound that has captivated musicians and listeners alike.

When it comes to guitar in the Neo-Soul, R&B, and Gospel genres, my favorite players are Jubu Smith, Isaiah Sharkey, and Spanky Alford. I highly recommend listening to these musicians to gain a deeper understanding of this style of music

Step1: Chord embellishment

In this step, we’ll explore how to enhance chords to create a richer sound.

Example 1: Cmaj⁷ Chord
We start by playing a Cmaj⁷ chord and make the sound more interesting by adding surrounding notes.

Example 2: Cmaj⁷ Chord

This technique can also be applied to other chords, such as Cmaj⁷, enhancing their sound similarly.

Example 3: C Major Scale Chords

We play chords from the C major scale to show how this technique can make almost every chord in the scale sound more compelling.

By using chord embellishment, you can add depth and sophistication to your playing.

Watch the 3 examples for Chord Embellishment here

Step 2: Double Stops

In this step, we’ll dive into the technique of playing double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create melodic and harmonic movement.

Example 1: Third Intervals in C Major

Here, we have an exercise where we play third intervals across the neck in the key of C major.

Example 2: Pentatonic Lick in C Major

This example features a lick based on the C major pentatonic scale using intervals of fourths and thirds.

Example 3: Double Stop Lick with Progression

To conclude, we have a double stop lick played alongside a simple chord progression, making it easier for you to understand its applicability in a musical context.

By mastering double stops, you can add rich harmonic textures and intricate melodic lines to your guitar playing.

Watch the 3 examples for Double Stops here

Step 3: Triads

Triads are another essential tool for playing Neo Soul. Basically, triads are three-note chords. Here’s how you can use them effectively:

Example 1: C Major Scale Triads

In this exercise, we play the triads from the C major scale horizontally across the neck. This is an excellent exercise for memorization and understanding the layout of triads on the fretboard.

Example 2: Classic Neo Soul Lick

Here, we have a classic lick found in Gospel, R&B, and Neo Soul guitar, using triads in the key of C major.

By mastering triads, you can add richness and harmonic depth to your Neo Soul guitar playing.

Watch the 2 examples for Triads here

Step 4: Common Progressions You’ll Hear in this Style

Here are some common chord progressions frequently heard in Neo Soul:

**Example 1: Fmaj⁷ – E-alt* – Am^7/9 Progression**

This progression is commonly used in Neo Soul. It features the chords Fmaj⁷, E-alt and Am^7/9.
*(a.k.a. E^7#9, or Hendrix chord).

Example 2: Am⁷ – Gm7 – C⁷⁽⁹⁾ – Fmaj⁷ – E-alt

Another common progression in Neo Soul, this sequence includes the chords Am⁷, Gm⁷, C⁷⁽⁹⁾, Fmaj⁷, and E-alt.
By familiarizing yourself with these progressions, you’ll be better equipped to play and compose in the Neo Soul style.

Watch 2 examples for Common Progressions You’ll Hear in this Style here

Step 5: Characteristic Licks

To conclude, the 5th step in this 5 steps to playing Neo Soul guitar. Let’s add characteristic licks from the style to play between the chords of the progression we just studied:

Example 1: Pentatonic Scale Lick

In this lick, I explore the pentatonic scale with an intriguing phrase that adds flavor to the progression.

Example 2: Jazz-inspired Arpeggio Lick

Here, I play a lick using jazzier arpeggios, adding sophistication to our progression.

Watch 2 examples for Characteristic licks here

The picks I use

I use ChickenPicks guitar picks, specifically the Badazz III 3.2mm pick, because of its superior durability and tone.

The pick’s thickness and material provide a strong, clear sound that enhances my playing.
Compared to other picks, ChickenPicks guitar picks Badazz III offer a more comfortable grip and better control, which is crucial for precise playing.

I hope you enjoyed these examples of 5 steps to playing Neo Soul guitar!
Happy practicing!

About the author

Rodrigo Gouveia is a Brazilian guitarist able to transform simple melodies into complex, jazz-infused neo-soul arrangements.
An accomplished educator, Rodrigo is internationally known for his neo-soul guitar instruction and was one of the OG neo-soul players in the online guitar community.

Rodrigo got signed by JTC Guitar and his first Neo Soul Fusion licks package “20 Neo-Soul Fusion Licks” was released in their store in 2018 and “Neo-Soul Fusion Masterclass” in 2019.

He is also a featured artist in very influential platforms such as Pickup Music, releasing lessons, and original tunes with other world-class musicians.

More lessons

Pentatonic sequences by Richard Hallebeek

Playing Neo Soul guitar in 5 steps

Playing Neo Soul guitar in 5 steps