Excellent. But I was confused about why the notes in each chord were not always in the blues scale, so I asked an AI, which helped a lot (suprisingly). Sorry it is quite long, but useful to others I hope. Note that, Blues scale (tabs) = -2 -3’ 4 -4’ -4 -5 6, which implies, Blues scale (in G, 2nd pos) = G Bf C Df D F G. (f=flat) Here is my question and the AI answers: ME: If the notes in a blues scale are G Bflat C Df D F G (=-2 -3’ 4 -4’ -4 -5 6), and if the chords in the 12-bar blues are I IV V, then what are the notes in each of those chords? AI: To answer this question, let's break it down step by step: 1. The blues scale you've provided is in the key of G. 2. In a typical 12-bar blues progression, the I, IV, and V chords are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of the major scale, not the blues scale. 3. In the key of G, these chords would be: I = G (1st note of G major scale) IV = C (4th note of G major scale) V = D (5th note of G major scale) 4. Now, let's build these chords. Blues chords are typically dominant 7th chords, which consist of the root, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th of the major scale. 5. Here are the notes for each chord: G7 (I chord): - Root: G - 3rd: B - 5th: D - flat 7th: F C7 (IV chord): - Root: C - 3rd: E - 5th: G - flat 7th: Bb D7 (V chord): - Root: D - 3rd: F# - 5th: A - flat 7th: C So, the notes in each chord are: - G7: G, B, D, F - C7: C, E, G, Bb - D7: D, F#, A, C Note that while these chords use some notes from the blues scale you provided (G, C, D, F), they also include notes not in that scale (B, E, F#, A). This tension between the major-based chord progression and the minor-based blues scale is part of what gives blues its characteristic sound. Me: Why are those particular notes B, E, F#, A (which are not in the blues scale) included in the chords? AI: The inclusion of B, E, F#, and A in the chords, despite not being in the blues scale, serves several important musical functions: 1. Chord Structure: - These notes are essential for forming the standard dominant 7th chords used in blues. - B is the major 3rd of the G7 chord - E is the major 3rd of the C7 chord - F# is the major 3rd of the D7 chord - A is the 5th of the D7 chord 2. Harmonic Tension: - The contrast between these major chord tones and the minor-leaning blues scale creates tension, which is a key element of blues music. - This tension, especially between the major 3rd in the chords and the minor 3rd in the scale (e.g., B in the G7 chord vs. Bb in the G blues scale), is what gives blues its characteristic "blue notes." 3. Tonal Center: - These notes help establish a clear tonal center in G major, despite the blues scale's more ambiguous tonality. 4. Functional Harmony: - F# acts as a leading tone to G, creating a strong pull back to the tonic chord. - E in the C7 chord and A in the D7 chord help create strong dominant-tonic relationships. 5. Melodic Possibilities: - Including these notes in the chords provides more options for melodic movement, allowing for interplay between major and minor tonalities. 6. Historical Context: - Blues evolved from a combination of African and European musical traditions. These major chord tones reflect the European influence on the harmonic structure. 7. Resolution and Movement: - The major 3rds (B, E, F#) in each chord create a sense of brightness and forward motion, which contrasts with and complements the "blue notes" in the scale. In essence, these notes (B, E, F#, A) provide the major tonality framework over which the minor-inflected blues scale can create its characteristic sound. The interplay between the major chord tones and the minor-leaning scale tones is what gives blues its unique tension, expressiveness, and emotional depth. This duality is at the heart of the blues sound, allowing for a rich palette of musical expression.
I'm afraid to ask... 😨 but if one was to pick this up as a dedicated hobby? Is it better get a few harmonics in a few keys you like or to go ahead and get the chromatic?
Hi Jim, it’s a case of horses for courses. What style do you want to play? How do you want it to sound? Here’s a buyer’s guide for you - th-cam.com/video/cU9Mgyoxv5I/w-d-xo.html
Short answer - Yes. Long answer - Yes, if the track says "major blues" it will likely be seventh chords rather than actual major chords anyway. Using the word "major" in blues is usually just a way to differentiate it from minor, rather than saying it contains actual major chords (the difference being that the seventh chord has the addition of the flat seven).
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Amazing, linking scales (not simply notes) with the chords of the 12 bar, I never thought of that. Thanks.
Excellent. But I was confused about why the notes in each chord were not always in the blues scale, so I asked an AI, which helped a lot (suprisingly). Sorry it is quite long, but useful to others I hope.
Note that,
Blues scale (tabs) = -2 -3’ 4 -4’ -4 -5 6,
which implies,
Blues scale (in G, 2nd pos) = G Bf C Df D F G. (f=flat)
Here is my question and the AI answers:
ME: If the notes in a blues scale are G Bflat C Df D F G (=-2 -3’ 4 -4’ -4 -5 6),
and if the chords in the 12-bar blues are I IV V, then what are the notes in each of those chords?
AI: To answer this question, let's break it down step by step:
1. The blues scale you've provided is in the key of G.
2. In a typical 12-bar blues progression, the I, IV, and V chords are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of the major scale, not the blues scale.
3. In the key of G, these chords would be:
I = G (1st note of G major scale)
IV = C (4th note of G major scale)
V = D (5th note of G major scale)
4. Now, let's build these chords. Blues chords are typically dominant 7th chords, which consist of the root, 3rd, 5th, and flat 7th of the major scale.
5. Here are the notes for each chord:
G7 (I chord):
- Root: G
- 3rd: B
- 5th: D
- flat 7th: F
C7 (IV chord):
- Root: C
- 3rd: E
- 5th: G
- flat 7th: Bb
D7 (V chord):
- Root: D
- 3rd: F#
- 5th: A
- flat 7th: C
So, the notes in each chord are:
- G7: G, B, D, F
- C7: C, E, G, Bb
- D7: D, F#, A, C
Note that while these chords use some notes from the blues scale you provided (G, C, D, F), they also include notes not in that scale (B, E, F#, A). This tension between the major-based chord progression and the minor-based blues scale is part of what gives blues its characteristic sound.
Me: Why are those particular notes B, E, F#, A (which are not in the blues scale) included in the chords?
AI: The inclusion of B, E, F#, and A in the chords, despite not being in the blues scale, serves several important musical functions:
1. Chord Structure:
- These notes are essential for forming the standard dominant 7th chords used in blues.
- B is the major 3rd of the G7 chord
- E is the major 3rd of the C7 chord
- F# is the major 3rd of the D7 chord
- A is the 5th of the D7 chord
2. Harmonic Tension:
- The contrast between these major chord tones and the minor-leaning blues scale creates tension, which is a key element of blues music.
- This tension, especially between the major 3rd in the chords and the minor 3rd in the scale (e.g., B in the G7 chord vs. Bb in the G blues scale), is what gives blues its characteristic "blue notes."
3. Tonal Center:
- These notes help establish a clear tonal center in G major, despite the blues scale's more ambiguous tonality.
4. Functional Harmony:
- F# acts as a leading tone to G, creating a strong pull back to the tonic chord.
- E in the C7 chord and A in the D7 chord help create strong dominant-tonic relationships.
5. Melodic Possibilities:
- Including these notes in the chords provides more options for melodic movement, allowing for interplay between major and minor tonalities.
6. Historical Context:
- Blues evolved from a combination of African and European musical traditions. These major chord tones reflect the European influence on the harmonic structure.
7. Resolution and Movement:
- The major 3rds (B, E, F#) in each chord create a sense of brightness and forward motion, which contrasts with and complements the "blue notes" in the scale.
In essence, these notes (B, E, F#, A) provide the major tonality framework over which the minor-inflected blues scale can create its characteristic sound. The interplay between the major chord tones and the minor-leaning scale tones is what gives blues its unique tension, expressiveness, and emotional depth. This duality is at the heart of the blues sound, allowing for a rich palette of musical expression.
great !!!
THANKS
Hello Liam, good video, Thanks!
No problem 👍
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
Hi! Could u please do a lesson on - easy - by Willie Nelson and Lionel Richie
Thanks for the request!
Hi Liam. Thanks for the lesson. Isn’t it -4 instead of 4 in the V chord? Thanks.
Hi sandrolopes, the 4 draw is an octave up from the 1 draw so it is indeed part of the arpeggio, but not in the lowest octave. Hope this makes sense!
I'm afraid to ask... 😨 but if one was to pick this up as a dedicated hobby? Is it better get a few harmonics in a few keys you like or to go ahead and get the chromatic?
Hi Jim, it’s a case of horses for courses. What style do you want to play? How do you want it to sound? Here’s a buyer’s guide for you - th-cam.com/video/cU9Mgyoxv5I/w-d-xo.html
Can the backing track be in G major or should I use something else?
Short answer - Yes.
Long answer - Yes, if the track says "major blues" it will likely be seventh chords rather than actual major chords anyway. Using the word "major" in blues is usually just a way to differentiate it from minor, rather than saying it contains actual major chords (the difference being that the seventh chord has the addition of the flat seven).
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