Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the 12-bar blues, the stylistic and musical features of blues music and the role of the instruments in a blues ensemble. They develop an extended improvisation and build a stylistic blues performance.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the instruments and features that create a blues sound and you can perform the 12-bar blues chords.

Key Notes

• Blues music is considered one of the most influential styles of the 20th Century.
• The main structure in blues is the 12-bar blues chord sequence which uses the chords C, F and G.
• Main instruments include vocals, piano, guitar, double bass, drum kit and often harmonica, saxophone and brass.
• Slide/bottleneck guitar helps to give the music that 'bluesy' sound.
• We can perform the 12-bar blues chord sequence.

Vocabulary To Learn

• 12-bar blues: the standard chord sequence used in blues music, based on the C, F and G
• chords: two or more notes played at the same time; they are usually played as three notes in a triad
• slide/bottleneck guitar: a guitar playing technique used in blues music which uses a slide or bottleneck to slide up the strings

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Playing the sequence incorrectly, particularly missing the final F in the sequence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Boogie-woogie Study Guide
• Building an improvisation Study Guide
• Creating an idiomatic blues performance Study Guide
• The blues scale Study Guide
• The role of the instruments and the bass pattern Study Guide