The role of the instruments and the bass pattern
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the roles of the instruments in a blues ensemble and I can perform a blues bass pattern
Key learning points
- There are four main instrumental roles in a blues ensemble: the melody, chords, bass and drum groove.
- The melody is often performed by a singer. The piano, guitar, bass and drum kit play an accompanying role.
- The piano, guitar and instruments such as the harmonica and brass can play melodic lines which are often improvised.
- We have learned to play a syncopated bass riff with the 12-bar blues chords.
- Syncopation in the music drives the music forward and helps create a blues feel.
Keywords
Ensemble - a group of musicians performing together e.g. a choir, band or orchestra
Improvise - to create music or a musical idea on the spot
Syncopation - when the rhythm emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats
Riff - a short repeated musical idea used in popular music
Bass - the lowest pitched part in the music
Common misconception
All instruments have a fixed role and only the drums drive the music forward.
The guitar and piano can be melodic as well as accompanying. Different instruments can drive the music forward, and all players in the ensemble are responsible for this.
Teacher tip
The practical task is flexible. Pupils are encouraged to learn the pattern with the left hand so they can put the chords and bass part together. It is an accessible task to play two hands together, but pupils could work in pairs with one playing the bass pattern and one playing the chords.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
