The Blues

BluesDeveloped in Deep SouthBased on work chants and spiritualsUses call and response – voice performs call,

instrument performs response

PopularityThis form was originally only popular among

African Americans.First, performed for home entertainment.Then travelling musicians called “bluesmen”

take their guitars and perform the blues all over the South.

Next, African Americans begin to migrate toward New Orleans and Memphis where the blues appears in clubs and restaurants.

Finally, spreads to Chicago where electric guitars are added and recordings begin.

Performers and InstrumentsPrimary early instruments – electric guitar

and harmonicaWith recordings, electric guitars, piano, and

drums are addedWC HandyMuddy WatersHowlin’ WolfBB KingBessie Smith

Lyrics and FormLyrics are about the hardships of life and

love.12 bar blues form:

Uses call and response – voice calls for 2 measures, instrument response for 2 measures.

Repeat first four measures. Last four measure complete the thought of first four

measures.Worry, worry, worry. Worry all through the night.Worry, worry, worry. Worry all through the night.Lyin’ in my bed hopin’ things will turn out right.

ListeningBessie Smith – I ain’t got nobodyFats Domino – Kansas CityBB King – I Believe to my Soul

Worry, worry, worry, Worry all through the night.

Worry, worry, worry, Worry all through the night.

Lyin’ in my bed hopin’ things will turn out right.

Trouble, trouble, trouble,Trouble is on my mind.

Trouble, trouble, trouble,Trouble is on my mind.

Everywhere I look trouble is all I find.

Sun gonna shine on my back door someday.Sun gonna shine on my back door someday.Wind gonna rise up and blow my blues away.

Worry, worry, worry, Worry all through the night.

Worry, worry, worry, Worry all through the night.

Lyin’ in my bed hopin’ things will turn out right.

ImprovisationWhat is improvisation?Use scale degrees to help you!

Blues Chords: Line 1: 1 1 1 1 | 1 1 1 1 |Line 2: 4 4 4 4 | 1 1 1 1 |Line 3: 5 5 4 4 | 1 1 1 1|

Instrument measure always uses a chord built on 1!

Improvising on “Worry”“Worry, Worry, Worry” is in the key of ATherefore, ___ is 1.Therefore, the notes ___ , ___, and ___ are in

the chord.Use these notes to improvise, always end on

1.