First 30 minutes from class

RnB Harmony Overview

In this workshop, we dive deep into the language of modern RnB harmony, focusing on the chords, voicing, and melodic relationships that give RnB its emotional depth and “expensive” sound.

Modern RnB harmony often feels smooth, open, and expressive, even when the theory underneath is advanced. Extended chords, borrowed harmony, and pentatonic driven melodies create progressions that feel emotional, flexible, and vocal friendly. In this session, we break down how these ideas work and how to apply them practically inside Ableton Live.

This workshop is about understanding why RnB harmon, and how to recreate that feel using approachable theory concepts, MIDI techniques, and sound design approaches that translate across modern, alternative, and neo soul influenced RnB.

How to RnB Harmony

Understanding the RnB Harmonic Language
Learn what defines RnB harmony and how it differs from pop, hip hop, and jazz influenced writing.
Focus on mood, space, and color rather than functional complexity.

Basic to RnB Music Theory
Build a solid foundation using scales, diatonic harmony, and simple progressions.
Learn how RnB often disguises basic theory through voicing and movement.

Chord Extensions and Color

Extended Chords
Use 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths to create lush, emotional harmony.
Learn when extensions add depth and when they create unnecessary tension.

Chord Function Without Rigidity
Understand how RnB often avoids obvious resolutions while still feeling grounded.

Borrowed Chords and Harmonic Flavor

Modal Interchange
Borrow chords from parallel modes to add richness and surprise.
Create emotional shifts without changing key centers.

Chromatic Movement
Use passing chords and subtle chromatic motion to connect ideas smoothly.

Pentatonic Improvisation and Melody

Pentatonic Expression
Learn how pentatonic scales are used for melodic writing, improvisation, and vocal style leads.
Create melodies that feel expressive and soulful without sounding technical.

Melody Over Harmony
Understand how RnB melodies often float over chords rather than outlining them directly.

Lead Harmonization and Supporting Voices

Harmonizing Leads and Vocals
Create tasteful harmonies that support the main line without clutter.
Use scale degrees and intervals that feel modern and emotional.

Call and Response Writing
Layer leads and harmonies to create conversation and movement.

Convolution Filtering and Harmonic Texture

Filtering with Hybrid Reverb
Use convolution Impulse Responses to find the right space for you musical layers.

Tone Over Density
Learn how harmonic interest can come from sound design rather than more notes.

Chord Voicing and Layering

Modern RnB Voicing
Spread chords across octaves for openness and clarity.
Avoid muddy harmony while keeping chords full.

Layering with Intention
Stack instruments for tone, width, and emotion rather than volume.
Learn how bass, chords, and supporting layers work together as a single harmonic system.

Any previous music theory knowledge will help understand this topic better but this workshop is for all levels, whether you’re new to harmony or already comfortable with music theory but want your RnB chords and melodies to feel smoother, deeper, and more musical. You’ll leave with practical theory tools, repeatable voicing techniques, and a clear understanding of how to create modern RnB harmony that supports vocals, emotion, and song flow every time.

RnB Chord Progression Template

One of the progression from the template developed, layered, mixed with drums and background vocals added as an example on how to work with these progressions.

Block Chords Transformation

A different example of one of the progressions taken as block chords and developed with various MIDI editing techniques and MIDI Transformation tools.

EP FX Suite 2

The 2nd version of the EP FX Suite which features a collection of fx for electric pianos.

Tremolo – Using ring modulation this knob turns on a stereo tremolo effect. Speed of tremolo change with knob

Wha – Filter Auto Wah

Phaser – Phasing effect

Chorus – Chorus effect for stereo emphasis and thicker sound

Amp – Amp and cabinet combined to enhance keyboard hammer hits

Drive – Overdrive for more harmonics and deeper bass

Delay – Parallel delay for bigger and longer sound. Knob changes delay volume

Glue – Amount of compression before main rack output

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Ableton RnB Chord Progression Tempalte
• Produced RnB Progression from Class
• Block Chords Transformation Project from Class
• EP FX Suite 2 Audio Effect Rack
• PDF with a breakdown of all chord progressions and a list of guides, tutorials, plugins and max for live devices.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.