- Year 9
Blues music and the 12-bar blues
I can describe the instruments and features that create a blues sound and I can perform the 12-bar blues chords.
- Year 9
Blues music and the 12-bar blues
I can describe the instruments and features that create a blues sound and I can perform the 12-bar blues chords.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Blues music is considered one of the most influential styles of the 20th Century.
- The main structure in blues is the 12-bar blues chord sequence which uses the chords C, F and G.
- Main instruments include vocals, piano, guitar, double bass, drum kit and often harmonica, saxophone and brass.
- Slide/bottleneck guitar helps to give the music that ‘bluesy’ sound.
- We can perform the 12-bar blues chord sequence.
Keywords
12-bar blues - the standard chord sequence used in blues music, based on the C, F and G
Chords - two or more notes played at the same time; they are usually played as three notes in a triad
Slide/bottleneck guitar - a guitar playing technique used in blues music which uses a slide or bottleneck to slide up the strings
Common misconception
Playing the sequence incorrectly, particularly missing the final F in the sequence.
Encourage pupils to learn the chord structure from memory and to think in 4-bar phrases. Highlight the last phrase specifically which has two chord changes.
To help you plan your year 9 music lesson on: Blues music and the 12-bar blues, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 music lesson on: Blues music and the 12-bar blues, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the The 12-bar blues unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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