What is “The Turn” in Blues Music?

The “turn” is a key element in blues music, and it’s something that every blues musician needs to know how to do. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the turn is, how it’s used, and some of the different ways that you can use it in your own playing.

What is the turn?

In music, the term “the turn” refers to a change in the lead melody or harmony of a composition. This change can occur either at the end of a phrase or during the middle of a phrase. The turn can also be thought of as a point of climax or resolution in the music. In many cases, the turn is used to create tension and release in the music.

The turn is an important device in blues music, and is often used to create a sense of “phrasing” in the music. Phrasing is the way that a musician divides up a piece of music into smaller units for interpretation. By creating turns at important points in the music, blues musicians can add their own unique spin to a song.

The term “the turn” can also refer to a specific type of embellishment that is often used in blues guitar playing. This embellishment involves playing a quick succession of notes that create a “turning” effect in the sound of the guitar. This type of turn is often used to add interest and ornamentation to Blues licks and solos.

Why is the turn important?

The turn is an important part of the blues because it is where the soloist gets to “show their stuff.” While the 12-bar blues progression is very simple, the turn allows the soloist to add some spice and creativity to their playing.

The turn gives the soloist a chance to show off their skills and knowledge of the blues. It is a chance to show their mastery of the idiom by improvising interesting and creative licks. Many famous blues solos are based on turns, so it is definitely an important part of the style.

How do you play the turn?

The turn is a figure that is commonly used in blues music. It usually consists of four bars of music, which can be played in any order. The most common order is 1-2-3-4, but some players prefer to play the turn in reverse order, or even mix up the order of the bars.

The turn can be played with any number of different chord progressions, but the most common progression is the 12-bar blues chord progression. To play the turn, simply start on the first chord of the progression and play through all four bars. Then, start on the second chord of the progression and play through all four bars. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the progression.

The turn can also be played with a single note or scale. To do this, simply start on the root note of the scale and play up to the octave. Then, start on the root note again and play down to the octave. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the scale.

What are some variations of the turn?

There are many variations of the turn in blues music, but the most common are the 12-bar blues and the 8-bar blues. The 12-bar blues is the most common form of the turn, and is typically used in slow-tempo songs. The 8-bar blues is typically used in faster-tempo songs.

What are some songs that feature the turn?

The turn is a Musical form typically found in Blues music. It is a brief return to the song’s main Hook or Riff after the solo section. The turn often features the musicians playing in unison and is used to create a sense of cohesion and bring the listener back into the song.

Some songs that feature the turn are:
-“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King
-“The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King
-“Crossroads” by Cream
-“Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
-“I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon