How to Play Easy Blues Music
Contents
If you want to play easy blues music, you first need to understand the basics of the genre. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start learning some of the more iconic licks and riffs.
What is the blues?
The blues is a type of Afro-American folk music characterized by a slow tempo and repeated notes. The blues evolved from the music of African slaves who were brought to the United States in the late 17th century. The term “blues” was first used to describe this type of music in the early 20th century.
Where did the blues come from?
The blues is a style of music that originated in the African-American communities in the American South around the end of the 19th century. The style is characterized by blues scales and blue notes, as well as a unique progression that became known as the “12-bar blues”.
The origins of the blues are not well-documented, and there is no single definitive answer to this question. There are, however, a few theories about where the blues might have come from.
One theory suggests that the blues was influenced by the music of West African cultures, which was brought to America by slaves. Another theory suggests that the blues developed from work songs and spirituals sung by slaves. Yet another theory suggests that the blues developed from a blend of European and African musical traditions.
Whatever its origins, the blues quickly became popular among African Americans in the early 20th century. The genre spread to other parts of America and eventually became one of the most important influences on 20th century popular music.
What are the characteristics of the blues?
The blues is a style of music that originated in the African-American communities in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term “the blues” refers to the feeling of sadness or grief that is often expressed in the lyrics of blues songs.
The blues is a type of music that uses a 12-bar chord progression, and it is usually played on a guitar or piano. The typical instruments used in a blues band are the guitar, bass, drums, and harmonica.
The blues has been an important influence on many other genres of music, including rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and country music. Many famous musicians have been influenced by the blues, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Eric Clapton.
How to play blues music
Blues music is a type of music that is often played on the guitar. It is a very popular style of music and is often heard in movies and on the radio. Blues music is very easy to play and is a great way to relax and have fun.
12 bar blues
The twelve-bar blues is one of the most popular forms of blues music. It is characterized by a repeating chord progression of 12 bars, or measures, that typically includes three different chords. The first two bars are usually the same, followed by two different chords for the next two bars, then a return to the first chord for the last two bars. This pattern can be varied in a number of ways, but the basic structure remains the same.
The twelve-bar blues form originated in African American communities in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It quickly became a staple of both country and city blues music, and has been adapted and incorporated into other genres such as rock and roll, jazz, and pop.
Learning to play the twelve-bar blues is a great way to get started playing blues music. It provides a foundation for understanding how the genre works, and can be used as a starting point for learning more complex pieces. With a little practice, you’ll be playing the blues in no time!
8 bar blues
The eight-bar blues is the most basic blues form. It consists of eight measures, or bars, that are mostly based on two chords, the I chord and the IV chord. The I chord is usually a major chord, while the IV chord is usually a minor chord. The basic chord progression of the eight-bar blues looks like this:
I IV
I IV
I IV
I IV
I
IV I
IV I
I
16 bar blues
The 16-bar blues is the most common length for blues songs. The form is usually effective for two singers taking turns singing the lead, or for one singer and a solo instrumentalist taking turns playing the lead.
The typical 16-bar blues progression uses just three or four chords, which makes it one of the easiest progressions to learn. You can use this progression in any key, and with any blues scale or pentatonic scale.
Here’s a typical 16-bar blues progression in the key of A:
| A7 | A7 | A7 | A7 |
| D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
| E7 | E7 | E7 | E7 |
| D7 | D7 ||
Easy blues songs to play
Playing the blues on the piano is a great way to get started with the genre. If you are a beginner, there are some easy blues songs that you can learn. This will help you get a feel for the music and start to develop your own style. Let’s take a look at some of the best easy blues songs to play on the piano.
“Sweet Home Chicago”
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a classic blues song that any musician can learn to play. This song only has three chords, so it’s easy to pick up, and the repeating riff is perfect for beginners to practice. You can play this song in any key, but it sounds best in the key of A.
“Cross Road Blues”
“Cross Road Blues”, also known as “Crossroads”, is a song written and recorded by American blues artist Robert Johnson in 1936. It is a tribute to the place where Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his musical talents, and has been interpreted by many artists including Eric Clapton and Cream, who popularized it with their 1968 recording.
“Stormy Monday”
One of the most popular and well-known blues songs, “Stormy Monday” has been recorded by countless artists over the years. The original version was written and recorded by T-Bone Walker in 1947, and it quickly became a hit. The song is in the key of A, which makes it a great choice for beginners. The chord progression is simple and easy to remember, and the melody is catchy and memorable. If you’re looking for an easy blues song to play, “Stormy Monday” is a great choice.
