Why Every Guitarist Should Study J Dilla
Todd Pritchard
32,069 views
Soulful Guitar System
https://www.creativeguitarmethod.com/
FREE Tabs + Community
https://skool.com/soulfulguitarcollec...
Most guitar players chase better technique, but the real shift happens when you start hearing music differently—and that’s what this J Dilla-inspired guitar lesson is about. I break down how Dilla’s approach to sampling, groove, and harmony translates directly to guitar, showing you how to use neo soul chord voicings, jazz-influenced harmony, chord melody, and rhythmic phrasing to create a deeper, more expressive sound. You’ll hear how color chords (maj9, min6, min9, sus), loose timing, and repetitive groove-based ideas can completely transform simple progressions, plus how to think like a producer by treating chords, basslines, and rhythm as one connected system. If you’re an intermediate player looking to develop feel, creativity, and a more modern sound in styles like R&B, soul, hip hop, and jazz guitar, this will open up a completely new way of playing.
Timestamps:
0:00: Why j dilla hits different
1:35 seconds : The Formula Behind J Dilla’s Sound
3:14: Chord Melodies Secrets
17:10: Learn My System
17:33: Key Takeaways
18:06: Groove and Baseline Hacks
22:21: Golden Nugget
IG: @toddpritch
20 Comments
Color Chords
3:50 - Shapes
5:30 - Start of Chord progressions
5:40 - Cannon in D (played in C)
6:39 - Fall in Love
8:09 - So far to Go
9:46 - Time (donut of the heart)
11:58 - Last doughnut of the night
13:54 - U Love
15:01 - How to flip it
15:13 - Runnin
18:27 - Dilla Feel
19:22 - Dilla bass lines
19:48 - didn’t cha know
21:15 - tones and textures
21:52 - Workin on it
The main reason he sampled too was because he felt these amazing soul artists from way back then, didn’t get the love and flowers they needed.
He dealt with lots and lots of sample clearances, but that was the least of his worries 🤍⛰️
I’ve recently been around younger friends who are deep into Indian indie and desi hip-hop, and as a guitarist I’ve been wanting to understand that groove/swing language better — not just play “over” it, but actually contribute something tasteful.
Saved this immediately. Feels like I found the right doorway. Subscribed! A lot to learn here. Thank you!
Great video and your playing is 🔥
How do you get your sound? Is this modelled or do you use amp and reverb?
Why Every Guitarist Should Study J Dilla
Todd Pritchard
32,069 views
Soulful Guitar System
https://www.creativeguitarmethod.com/
FREE Tabs + Community
https://skool.com/soulfulguitarcollec...
Most guitar players chase better technique, but the real shift happens when you start hearing music differently—and that’s what this J Dilla-inspired guitar lesson is about. I break down how Dilla’s approach to sampling, groove, and harmony translates directly to guitar, showing you how to use neo soul chord voicings, jazz-influenced harmony, chord melody, and rhythmic phrasing to create a deeper, more expressive sound. You’ll hear how color chords (maj9, min6, min9, sus), loose timing, and repetitive groove-based ideas can completely transform simple progressions, plus how to think like a producer by treating chords, basslines, and rhythm as one connected system. If you’re an intermediate player looking to develop feel, creativity, and a more modern sound in styles like R&B, soul, hip hop, and jazz guitar, this will open up a completely new way of playing.
Timestamps:
0:00: Why j dilla hits different
1:35 seconds : The Formula Behind J Dilla’s Sound
3:14: Chord Melodies Secrets
17:10: Learn My System
17:33: Key Takeaways
18:06: Groove and Baseline Hacks
22:21: Golden Nugget
IG: @toddpritch