blues song

So what are the basic musical elements usually found within a blues composition? Well ... some sort of groove of course. Usually a melody and harmony, a beginning or intro, usually words or lyrics, oftentimes a hook, some soloing over the form, restatement of the theme, then end the song, oftentimes with a blues lick. Modulations? No, not too common in the tune, mainly at the end of the song. Variations on these elements? Endless? Absolutely.

Here is the lead sheet of one of my blues tunes entitled "Who's That." Placed here in a Reggae groove, listen to the song and then explore it's various components using the links below. Example 1, twice through the 12 bar form following common practice on the gig.

12 bar minor blues in a Reggae feel. Like the tune? Tis fun to jamm on. Let's explore some of the elements mentioned above in a blues song.

Introductions. Are there common ways to introduce a blues number? Well, of course, but you knew that right? The following ideas are a few easy intro's into a blues song.

1) Perhaps the most common blues intro is to play one full chorus in the tempo for the song out in front of the statement of the melody. We simply use one full chorus to set the mood of the song. Oftentimes the strongest soloist within the group will come on strong from the downbeat, blow over the changes hinting at the melody to come with their ideas.

2) A common four bar intro for blues and rockers often follows the following format. Here the soloist gets a few bars out front to heat things up a bit. Example 2a.

3) A second easy and cool intro is to simply use the dominant pedal of the chosen key to set up the tonic or One chord at the top of the chorus and the melody. Example 2.

Is the dominant pedal all that common in the clubs, no but it is a personal fave.

4) Jazz players will oftentimes use the tried and true Three / Six / Two / Five motion to get things started. Example 2b.

Could we use the last phrase of the melody of the song as an intro?

5) To start "right on it" as in example 1 above. What no intro? Right no intro, simply "right on it." Just count it off and go.

Other ways? Potentially as varied as the players who play the blues. What intros do your favorite players use? Maybe borrow some of their ideas.

The hook. Ah, the hook. So, what makes a hit a hit? The hook. What makes top 40 top 40? The hook. What's often the most memorable part of a song? The hook? Yep. Although I joke a bit here, as it's name implies, the hook is often a catchy phrase that captures the core essence of a musical story or song. Can a hook be words? Yep. A musical lick? Yep. Is the following idea the hook of the tune? Example 3.

Can you recognize the song? Let's add chord changes and a bass line. Example 3a.

Tis is indeed, both in words and music, "Jingle Bells." Know any other hooks? Got any of your own? What's the hook in example 1 above? Example 3a.

Right, the 2 bar eighth note lick and the words; "whose that, whose that there." Cool with the idea of the hook? Simply an indy slang word for the main vocal or musical phrase of a tune.

So, does a tune have to have a hook? Nope. Are there other common ways to shape a blues melody? Of course, we have it all here. Pick and click and off ya go!

Interested about various aspects of performance or blues on the gig?

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Albert Einstein