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History of The Blues in 400 Words
The blues is a kind of music that can be vocal, instrumental (blues guitar) or both. It uses the 'blue' notes which are accomplished on a 'minor pentatonic' scale most of the time, otherwise recognised as the blues scale.
Blues music was generalised from the African-American communities in the U.S. out of job songs, spiritual songs, field hollers, chants, shouts and elementary ballads that rhymed. A lot of aspects of the blues comes from African culture
The call-and-response aspect of the music came directly from African origins and there were a lot of notes that would get duplicated thrice or more. This later developed into a line repeating twice and then on the third time around there would be an 'answer line'. You will be able to still discover these features of early blues in modern day music, especially hip-hop.
The term 'The Blues' refers to the 'blue devils' which signifies down spirits or unhappiness.
The blues guitar brings a heavy role in blues music as well as popular music. It has shaped Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Bluegrass and even heavy rock genres The original blues of the early 1900's, otherwise known as "poor man's blues" was commonly connected with hard times, oppressiveness from white folk, harshness of the police, gambling, economic depression, floods, magic, farming and dry periods. This music was fueled by a lot of brokenheartedness and anger. Typically a lost loved one or an general harsh surrounding inspired the lyrics and the tone of the blues guitar.
After the world war, you start to see blues songs that were about relationships and sexuality. Also, wit was broadened to the mix. Here is a funny example:
"That must be your woman, cause mine don't look like that... I said That must be your woman, cause mine don't look like that... Have you seen my baby? She's so big and fat..."
The blues guitar style came forth from the American South's instruments of the time which were the banjo and the Diddley Bow. This was a home made one stringed instrument that was favourite in the early 20th century. Figures such as Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Son House and Blind Willie McTell were a part of the delta blues style which used a lot of finger picking techniques and slide guitar innovations.
Eventually, after WWII 'electric blues' became progressively popular where the blues guitar was played on electric guitars as were the bass guitars. This was most prevalent in the Chicago area.
The history of blues guitar and poor man's blues is rich with culture and stories of good times and bad. I could go on for days about the history of the blues guitar but let's make this part 1 so you don't fall asleep on me!
About the Author Are you a blues musician? Get over 50 blues backing tracks for guitar, harmonica or harp at 50 Blues Studios. Listen free samples of guitar backing tracks and start jamming right now. Visit 50 Blues today - Your #1 Blues Guitarist Resource. |
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