What are features of blues music?
The main features of blues include: specific chord progressions, a walking bass, call and response, dissonant harmonies, syncopation, melisma and flattened ‘blue’ notes. Blues is known for being microtonal, using pitches between the semitones defined by a piano keyboard.
What are the basic elements of blues music?
The elements of music in the blues
- it was common to include bent notes – usually the flattened third, fifth or seventh note of the scale.
- the performer often improvises over a chord progression.
- melismas are heard in many blues vocal melodies.
What instruments were used in early blues?
The combination of instruments used in early blues music included the clarinet, drum, guitar, piano, trombone, and trumpet.
What kind of instruments are used in blues music?
Guitar, harmonica and piano are some of the other primary instruments used in this genre. The guitar usually works along with the vocals in the “calling” or leading role, while an instrument such as harmonica is used to give the “response.” Occasionally, the harmonica can be used in the lead role instead.
What is the structure of the blues music?
The structure of blues music is still heard today in lots of different genres of music. The 12-bar blues sequence is the most used chord progression in blues music. The sequence orientates around the tonic, subdominant and dominant chords of the key signature. It is also common practice to fit riffs around the chord changes.
What are the sub genres of blues music?
The most popular sub-genre is blues-rock, which is a blend of blues and rock elements. The elements of music in R&B, hip hop, and rock and roll genres are also related to blues music.
What kind of vocal style does the Blues use?
The Blues is a very expressive genre and requires a flexible and easily controlled instrument to highlight the theme and/or portray the story being told. These same vocal styles can be heard today as well. (Example: Adele “Rolling in the Deep”)