# R&B (Rhythm and Blues) — Genre

> Soulful vocal music. Emotional, sensual, smooth. Modern R&B incorporates hip-hop production.

## Defining elements

- Vocal-focused (often lead with melismatic singing)
- Smooth grooves
- Mid tempo (70-100 BPM)
- Major and minor with 7th chords
- Sensual / emotional content
- Production polish

## Sub-types

- **Classic R&B** — 60s-80s (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye)
- **Contemporary R&B** — 90s-2000s (Usher, Beyoncé)
- **Alt R&B / PBR&B** — modern atmospheric (Frank Ocean, The Weeknd)
- **Neo-soul** — 90s revival (D'Angelo, Erykah Badu)
- **R&B-trap fusion** — modern (Bryson Tiller)

## Typical instrumentation

Electric piano (Rhodes, Wurlitzer) + bass (often funky) + drums (programmed or live) + lead vocal + harmonies + occasional strings/horns

## Production characteristics

- Vocal forward
- Reverb on vocals
- Bass groove essential
- Smooth (not aggressive)
- Modern: more synthetic
- Classic: more live instruments

## Lyrics direction

- Love (modern interpretations)
- Sensuality
- Heartbreak / longing
- Vulnerability
- Specific romantic moments
- Sometimes social commentary

## For Suno

```
[Style: contemporary R&B, 85 BPM, F# minor, electric piano + bass + 
soft drums + atmospheric synth pads + male falsetto lead vocal with 
melismatic phrasing + female backing harmonies, smooth and sensual]
```

## Examples

- Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, SZA, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar
- Classic: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin

## Avoid

- Aggressive distortion
- Fast tempo
- Generic emotion
- Lifeless vocal