I found this song randomly while searching YouTube music and the chords were fire! I wanted to break down the chords and show you how to get a more authentic R&B sound.
Tapping into the Dorian Feel
The track starts in E minor, but instead of keeping it straightforward, we move into a Dorian mode. That little move changes the sound. It feels jazzier, moodier, and a little more open. The first chords are Am11, but we use the top note of Am11 "D" to transition into the next chord, this time starting at Bm7 (+raised third "D").
The Bass Has to Breathe
One of the best things about the beat is how the bass is handled. Busy keeps it simple, just the root notes and sometimes the fifths. Nothing crazy. But that’s what gives it character. The bass doesn’t just sit underneath. It carries the groove and sets the tone. In this style of R&B, the bass is allowed to speak, almost like it's having its own quiet conversation with the chords.
Setting the Stage for the Vocal
Even though there's no singer on the track yet, you can feel where the vocal would go. Busy talks about how important it is to leave space, to let the music breathe. That space is where the top-line vocal would live. The chords give the song body, but the contrast and openness give it soul. It's like he's building a bed for someone to come in and tell their story.
Little Details Make the Difference
To make the beat more interesting, he starts layering in details, playing the same chords an octave higher and breaking them up so they sound more melodic. Then comes the guitar tone. He pulls out Ample Sounds’ Strat plugin, runs it through Guitar Rig, and adds this wavy, almost crying effect using an automation trick. It’s subtle, but it gives the track that extra sauce.
Finishing Touches
By the end, it’s not just a loop. It’s a full vibe. He adds some playful piano textures, a filtered pad, and all these little ear candy elements that help the track feel finished without overdoing it. It lands somewhere between modern Bryson Tiller and vintage R&B, with a touch of dreaminess that makes you want to loop it back.
Breaking It Down With Purpose
What makes Busy’s approach special is that he doesn’t just show what to do. He explains why he’s doing it. Whether it’s the chord codes, the bass voicings, or the plugin choices, everything serves the overall feel. You’re not just watching someone click buttons. You’re learning how to create a mood.
R&B That Tells a Story
At the end of the day, this isn’t about showing off technique. It’s about building a track that feels like something. Something warm. Something nostalgic. Something real. If you’re trying to level up your own R&B productions, this is a perfect example of how music theory and sound design can come together in a way that still feels human.
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