How to Jazzify Your R&B Beats with Advanced Turnarounds

What Is a Turnaround (and Why Does It Matter)?

A turnaround is a short chord sequence — usually one or two bars — that “turns” the harmony back to the start of the progression or into a new section. Instead of looping the same chords, a turnaround gives your beat forward motion and makes the return to your verse or chorus feel intentional.

Think of it as a mini-bridge: quick, stylish, and full of flavor. Listen to D’Angelo, H.E.R., or Daniel Caesar and you’ll notice how their songs rarely stay static — subtle turnarounds make their music feel alive.

Historically, turnarounds are one of the most important building blocks in jazz harmony. Many of the great jazz standards — from “Autumn Leaves” to “All the Things You Are” — rely on turnarounds to smoothly connect sections, keep the listener engaged, and create the sophisticated harmonic flow that defines the genre. Over time, R&B borrowed heavily from these same devices, bringing the lush and unexpected chord movements of jazz into a more song-oriented, groove-driven context.

Even modern pop genres such as K-pop have embraced turnarounds. Producers use them to inject sophistication into otherwise simple pop progressions, giving songs a soulful or jazzy lift right before a chorus or bridge. This helps create the feeling of musical depth while still keeping the track grounded and accessible to mainstream audiences. For R&B producers, turnarounds are a perfect way to add a touch of jazz color without losing the catchiness and structure that make a song memorable.

Common Turnaround Moves in R&B

Here are a few proven turnaround formulas you can drop into your beats:

1. ii – V – I (Jazz DNA in R&B)

Key of C major: Dm7 → G13 → Cmaj7
Upgrade voicings: Dm9, G13b9, Cmaj9 for instant sophistication.

2. Chromatic Bass Walks

Example: Am7 → Ab7 → Gmaj7
A half-step bass drop creates tension and smooth release.

3. Secondary Dominants

If your loop ends on Fmaj7, try A7 → Dm7 → G13 → Cmaj7 → Fmaj7 for a gospel-jazz vibe.

4. Tritone Substitutions

Swap the V chord: Dm7 → Db7 → Cmaj7 — darker and smoother.

5. Modal Interchange

Borrow from the parallel minor: in C major, sneak in an Abmaj7 or Fm7 for soul.

Using Turnarounds Without Music Theory

You don’t need to memorize every chord symbol. Many producers simply drag & drop MIDI chord packs and get to creating fast:

1. Insert a turnaround MIDI clip at the end of your loop.
2. Transpose it to your song’s key.
3. Add your favorite Rhodes, piano, or synth patch.
4. Layer a short melody or riff on top.

Real-World Example

Original loop:

| Fmaj7 | Dm7 | Gm7 | C7 |

With turnaround:

| Fmaj7 | Dm7 | Gm7 | C7 | Em7(b5) → A7(b13) → Dm9 → G13 → Cmaj9 |

Instantly adds jazz tension and satisfying resolution.

Here Are Some More Examples for You to Try

These examples are written for minor keys (shown here in C minor). Use them at the end of your 4–8 bar loops to add movement and a jazzy, professional feel:

1. i7 → vii9 (of V) → ♭VI9 → V7
   Cm7 → F#dim9 → Ab9 → G7
2. i7 → vii9 (of V) → ♭vii9 → V7
   Cm7 → F#dim9 → Bb9 → G7
3. i9 → ♭VI9 → iv9 → V7
   Cm9 → Ab9 → Fm9 → G7
4. i9 → ♭VI9 → V7
   Cm9 → Ab9 → G7
5. i9 → ♭VIIM7 → V7
   Cm9 → Bbmaj7 → G7
6. i9 → vii9 (of V) → viidim7 (of V) → V7(b9)
   Cm9 → F#dim9 → F#dim7 → G7(b9)
7. i9 → vii9 (of V) → ♭VI9 → V7
   Cm9 → F#dim9 → Ab9 → G7
8. i9 → vii9 (of V) → V7 (of V) → V7
   Cm9 → F#dim9 → D7 → G7
9. ii7 → ♭VI9 → V7(b9)
   Dm7♭5 → Ab9 → G7(b9)
10. ii9 → ♭VI9 → V7(b9)
    Dm9♭5 → Ab9 → G7(b9)
11. iv9 → vii7 (of V) → V7
    Fm9 → F#7 → G7
12. V7sus4 → V7 → iv → V7
    G7sus4 → G7 → Fm → G7

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Next Steps for Your Productions

Now that you know how to add turnarounds, experiment by mixing these moves into your existing chord loops. Try layering them with Rhodes, synth pads, or sampled vocals to instantly give your beats more movement and emotion. Start with one or two changes per song — overdoing it can make the track feel busy.

If you’re looking to save time, keep your workflow smooth, and focus on creativity, using ready-made MIDI turnarounds can help you move faster while still sounding polished and professional.

Conclusion

Turnarounds are a simple but powerful way to make R&B and Neo-Soul tracks sound alive. By using just a few extra chords at the right moment, you can transform a basic loop into a finished, expressive song. Whether you write your own or use pre-made MIDI files, learning to add these harmonic transitions will level up your productions and set your music apart.