How can we play a 12-bar blue bass line in may keys?
In this lesson, we will learn about the origin of blues music and how to play and transpose a 12-bar blues bass line.
Unit Overview: Band Musicianship 2: The Blues
Lessons:
13 lessons
Where does a bass line come from?
In this lesson, we will understand why primary chords are so special, and what a turnaround chord is. We will enjoy performing a 12 bar blues chord sequence.
Which rhythms are heard in the blues?
In this lesson, we will learn about the phrase 'walking a bassline'. We will also learn which types of rhythm are used in the blues.
What is a blues 'head'?
In this lesson, we will look at how a main melody or theme is used in blues music and learn how to play a very famous 'head'.
How is a blues scale constructed?
In this lesson, we will explore how blues' musicians create interesting improvisations.
Are you feeling blue?
In this lesson, we will revisit the key features of blues music with reference to examples of the genre.
How can you keep going in a long improvisation?
In this lesson, we will understand why improvisation in blues music is so important. We will learn how to improvise confidently in longer musical phrases.
How do blues singers communicate emotion?
In this lesson, we will look at wonderful blues singing and how the artist can show the emotion of the lyrics through the way they sing. We will also have the opportunity to write our own blues verse.
Inspiration from "All Blues"
In this lesson we will analyse the jazz standard "All Blues" through performance.
How can we create a stylistic blues accompaniment?
In this lesson, we will use everything we have learned about blues music to compose our own blues accompaniment.
How is a blues melody structured?
In this lesson, we are going to create a structured blues melody above last lesson's accompaniment. We will make creative decisions about who from the 'band' improvises in our blues piece.
How are instruments used to communicate the blues tradition?
In this lesson, we will learn all about the different playing and singing techniques heard in blues music. We will be able to identify these different techniques by ear.
How do improvisors communicate when performing in a band?
In this lesson, we will consolidate our learning about band musicianship by examining how blues bands communicate with each other. We will learn about what makes a great blues musician and improviser, and how to improvise our own phrases within a structure.