The origins of rock: blues into rock ‘n’ roll

Key learning points

1. Rock 'n' roll is an energetic style that developed in the 1950s.
2. It was very popular with young people and became the first successful pop style.
3. It incorporates key blues features, including the 12-bar blues.
4. This is a repeating chord sequence which uses the primary chords I, IV and V.
5. It also typically uses either a pentatonic or a blues scale (a minor pentatonic with a blue note added) in the melody.

Keywords

• 12-bar blues - The 12-bar blues is the standard chord sequence in blues, based on chord I, IV and V.

• Pentatonic scale - A pentatonic scale is a set of five notes, often used for melodies and improvisation.

• Blues scale - A blues scale is a minor pentatonic scale with an added blue note between the 4th and 5th.

• Blue note - A blue note is a chromatic note that isn't in the key signature. It is usually the flattened 3rd, 5th or 7th.

• AAB structure - An AAB structure is a melodic structure commonly used in blues and rock ‘n’ roll where the A phrase is performed twice followed by a different (B) phrase.

Common misconception