Every genre has those chord progressions you hear time and time again. I call them foundational chord progressions. Chord structures every student of the genre must know. 

In this post, I’m going to show you three such R&B chord progressions that you can learn today. The chord numbers are written from the Major key perspective.

Contents

1. The Circle of 4ths
2. 90s Throwback
3. Dropdown turnaround
4. Download PDF chord charts

1. The Circle of 4ths

2 – 5 – 1 – 4 – 7 – 3 – 6 – (6)

ii — V — I — IV — viiø — III — vi — (VI)

Sometimes called “the circle of 5ths,” this chord progression is used in many genres, not just R&B. However, it’s the chord voicings we use (see below) that’ll give it an R&B vibe — which you’ll also hear in the examples provided.

The name derives from the intervals between each chord in this progression — they’re all a perfect 4th apart (or a perfect 5th if you count down the keyboard instead of up). It’s basically a bunch of 2-5-1 chord progressions strung together — and apart from it being a fantastic chord progression, this is why you should learn it. 

Some of my favourite songs that use this chord progression include H.E.R. – “Uninvited”, Kandi – “Don’t Think I’m Not”, and Muni Long – “Words”, which I’ve transcribed below. 

2. 90s Throwback

4 – 3 – 6 – 5 – 1 

IV – III+ – vi – v – I

I’m calling this second chord progression “90s Throwback” because of its prominent use in the decade — think Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo”. 

But more importantly, it speaks to the chord movement from the Major 4-chord to an Augmented 3-chord. It’s this movement that gives this chord progression its distinct sound, creating a beautiful tension that resolves on the 6 chord. You’ve also heard it in songs like Brownstone’s “If You Love Me”.  

From there, the chord progression flows from the 5 to the 1, throwing us right back to the beginning, starting on the 4-chord. It’s the perfect chord progression for capturing that 90s vibe as Justin Bieber did in “Right Here”, likewise Ciara with “Body Party” – which I’ve transcribed below. 

3. Downward Turnaround

2–1–7–3–(#4)–(#5)

ii — I — viiø — III — (♯iv) — (♯v°)

Yes, I’m making up these names now, but it’s to help you remember. This chord progression is the perfect R&B chord progression for transitions — it sounds great at the end of an 8 or 16-bar loop that begins on the 6-chord. I created a whole video on it if you’d like to dive deeper. 

However, this chord progression starts on the 2-chord, which creates a lift that’s followed by an emotional and climactic downward progression resolving with a 7-3-6 movement. 

Songs that use this chord progression include Elmiene – “Marking My Time”, Mary J. Blidges – “Empty Prayers”, and Sasha Keable – “Hold Up”, which I’ve transcribed below. (The sharp 4-chord and sharp 5-chord are optional passing chords.)