Into The Blues
Master the essential elements of the blues as a guitarist and explore bass lines as well.
The Blues Scale
The blues scale is a six-note scale derived from the minor pentatonic with an added "blue note" (♭5). For example, the A blues scale contains: A, C, D, E♭, E, G.
Formula: 1 - ♭3 - 4 - ♭5 - 5 - ♭7
The I-IV-V Pattern
The foundation of blues harmony is the I-IV-V chord progression, typically using dominant 7th chords. Here's the I-IV-V pattern for all keys:
| Key | I (Tonic) | IV (Subdominant) | V (Dominant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | A7 | D7 | E7 |
| B | B7 | E7 | F#7 |
| C | C7 | F7 | G7 |
| D | D7 | G7 | A7 |
| E | E7 | A7 | B7 |
| F | F7 | Bb7 | C7 |
| G | G7 | C7 | D7 |
Key Characteristics of Blues
- Blue Notes: Slightly flat 3rd, 5th, and 7th notes of the major scale that give blues its distinctive sound
- Call and Response: Conversation-like patterns between instruments or vocals, reflecting the music's roots in work songs and spirituals
- 12-Bar Form: The most common blues structure, spanning 12 measures with a specific chord progression
- Shuffle Rhythm: Swung eighth notes creating the distinctive blues feel, often notated as straight eighths but played with a triplet feel
- Expressive Techniques: Bends, slides, vibrato, and other emotional expressions that mimic the human voice
Delta Blues
Originated in the Mississippi Delta region in the early 20th century, characterized by simple instrumentation, often just vocals and acoustic guitar. Pioneers include Robert Johnson, Son House, and Charley Patton. Features slide guitar, intense vocals, and deeply personal lyrics.
Chicago Blues
Electrified, band-oriented blues developed after the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities. Key figures include Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon. Characterized by amplified guitars, harmonicas, and a rhythm section with drums and bass.
Texas Blues
Known for clean, jazzy guitar work and horn sections. T-Bone Walker pioneered the electric guitar sound, while Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and Albert Collins later defined the Texas sound with their distinctive styles. Features more swing and jazz influences.
British Blues
British interpretation of American blues, leading to blues rock in the 1960s. Influential artists include Eric Clapton, John Mayall, early Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin. This movement helped reintroduce blues to American audiences.
The Birth of Blues
Blues emerged in the late 19th century in the Deep South of the United States, evolving from African musical traditions, work songs, spirituals, and field hollers. The term "blues" likely comes from "blue devils," meaning melancholy and sadness. The first blues recordings appeared in the 1920s with Mamie Smith's "Crazy Blues" (1920) often cited as the first commercial blues recording. The Great Migration (1916-1970) spread blues from the rural South to urban centers, where it evolved into various regional styles and influenced virtually all American popular music.
B.B. King
"The King of the Blues" known for his precise, vocal-like guitar solos and vibrato technique. His Gibson guitar "Lucille" is as legendary as his playing.
Buddy Guy
A pioneer of Chicago blues with his explosive playing style and showmanship. Known for his polka-dot guitars, wild stage antics, and powerful vocals. His influence spans from Hendrix to John Mayer, bridging traditional blues with rock and soul.
Muddy Waters
Pioneer of Chicago blues who helped transition from acoustic Delta blues to electric urban blues. His powerful voice and slide guitar defined the Chicago sound.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Virtuoso guitarist who revitalized blues in the 1980s with his intense, soulful playing. His technical prowess and emotional depth brought blues back to the mainstream.
Willie Dixon
Influential bassist, songwriter, and producer who shaped the sound of Chicago blues. His compositions became blues standards performed by countless artists.
Bessie Smith
"Empress of the Blues" who was one of the most popular female blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery influenced generations of singers.
Fernando Jones
"An educational blues legend and a music mentor: Fernando Jones is a blues singer and a guitarist who has made waves in the music industry and empowered more blues musicians and artists than anyone I know. Fernando Jones is a Chicago native who has made it his mission and agenda to keep the blues alive and thriving. A mission he has deeply instilled within me (August James). Invite him to perform and share his story and the history of the blues at your school or event. https://www.fernandojones.com/teacher-workshops
Recommended Books
- "Deep Blues" by Robert Palmer
- "Blues People" by Amiri Baraka
- "Escaping the Delta" by Elijah Wald
Essential Listening
- "The Complete Recordings" - Robert Johnson
- "At Last!" - Etta James
- "Texas Flood" - Stevie Ray Vaughan
- "Folk Singer" - Muddy Waters
- "Born Under a Bad Sign" - Albert King
- Focus on your timing and feel rather than speed
- Listen to the blues masters to develop your ear
- Practice with a backing track to improve your timing
- Learn to express emotion through bends and vibrato
- Use space effectively - don't overplay