Blues: Style

 The Musical Characteristics of Blues

Blues can be major or minor, often depending on the subgenre. The blues usually features a 12-bar blues structure, which involves a chord sequence of; 111144115411. Blues music often features extended chords, like dominant 7th chords, which are major triads with an added minor 7th note. Blues scales are most common, which are made from major or minor pentatonic scales with an additional flattened third or flattened fifth respectively. Riffs are common in blues, often being featured on guitar or bass. Blues usually features lots of syncopation as well as swung beats, which overall emphasises off-beat notes. A typical melodic feature is a melisma, which is when a single syllable is sung over multiple notes. Blues music often features acoustic and electric guitar, saxophones and brass as well as double bass. Call and response is a common texture, often used between vocalists or heavily improvised. The lyrics of blues are quite varied and can be on any subject from betrayal to love. Mutes are often used on brass instruments, creating a flatter sound, and double basses use pizzicato playing techniques to create staccato notes. Improvisation is a heavy characteristic of blues, especially in the melody. 

Notation of Important Riffs, Melodies and Rhythms

Here is my notation of a walking bassline in A major. This also features a 12-bar blues structure in the key of A major.

Three Subgenres of Blues and their Similarities/Differences

Three different genres of blues are country blues, rhythm and blues and jump blues. Country blues often features acoustic instruments, as well as featuring techniques such as slides and rhythmic strumming. Rhythm and blues is often faster than regular blues, and focuses on emotional expression and upbeat rhythms. Jump blues is know by its upbeat tempo, shouted vocals and jazz-influenced horn sections. Each of these genres feature the same structure and scales, that being 12-bar blues and blues scales. 

My Opinions on the Blues Subgenres

My favourite of these genres is rhythm and blues because I love more upbeat music, and also enjoy the emotional and improvised vocals of the genre. I don't like country blues as much, as the slower tempo and instrumental technique choices are not to my taste, but I still appreciate the general genre of blues.  

Examples of Famous Musicians from Blues Subgenres

An influencial artist in the rhythm and blues genre is Etta James, who brought emotional, raw vocals into the genre. Blind Lemon Jefferson was also influencial, specifically in the country blues genre, and is said to have been the first solo pale blues performer to become commercially successful, paving the way for future male soloists. Louis Jordan was influencial to jump blues, and is said to have combined jazz and blues to create a high-energy, upbeat sound. 

How did the Blues Evolve?

The blues started within enslaved communities in the Southern USA. During the Great Migration, blues spread throughout the country, leading to the creation of new subgenres in different areas. The blues eventually evolved into genres such as rock and roll, which has greatly influenced modern pop and rock music. 

What does Blues have in Common with Other Styles

The 12-bar blues structure is used in other styles, such as rock, and blues also shares elements of improvisation and swung rhythms with jazz. Blues also has similarities with early rock music, as early rock music was developed from the blues genre.