if something is idiomatic it is appropriate to the style (e.g. blues music using blues features such as the blues scale and syncopation)

a melodic phrase structure, common in blues music, where the first phrase (A) is repeated then followed by a contrasting phrase (B)

when the piano plays in octaves it plays the same note (e.g. C) but 8 notes apart

when the rhythm emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats

Idiomatic Blues Motif Audio

British English CC

Check - Video

Playing in Octaves Video

Using Tremolos Video

Adding Chords Video

Feedback - Video

Structure Video

Last Chord Audio

Creating an idiomatic blues performance

Music

Blues music and the 12-bar blues

The role of the instruments and the bass pattern

Boogie-woogie

The blues scale

Building an improvisation

In this unit, pupils learn about the 12-bar blues, the stylistic and musical features of blues music and the role of the instruments in a blues ensemble. They develop an extended improvisation and build a stylistic blues performance.

The 12-bar blues

What word means the music is appropriate to the style?

The same note played 8 notes apart is called an {{}}.

What rhythmic feature emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats?

What structure is most idiomatic when creating a blues improvisation?

A motif is most successful if it returns to a {{}} note (in our case C).

How many bars is the chord sequence in blues music?

The piano and guitar usually play the __________ in blues music.

In a 12 bar blues, if my first chord is C, what chord will I move to after C?

Which scale is the correct C blues scale?

In a blues song the first and second line of the lyrics are always {{}}.

Creating an idiomatic blues performance

Lesson outcome