Blues: Knox County Blues (Lesson)

Music Lesson: The Blues

In this lesson, we're going to talk about the blues.

Importance of Blues in Country Music

Blues is a very important part of country music, originating from African American influences. Although country music is often seen as "white person's music," the African American contribution is essential. Here are four key elements we derive from African American traditions:

1. Bending and Sliding of Notes
   This technique is fundamental to capturing the essence of the blues.

2. Syncopation
   Syncopation refers to when the accent in a bar comes in an unexpected place. For example:
   (demonstrate with a rhythm)
   This concept is crucial in old-time music and is heavily influenced by African American styles.

3. 12-Bar Blues Structure
   The 12-bar blues is a sequence based on a specific set of chords. An example structure is as follows:

   • 4 bars of G
   • 2 bars of C
   • 2 bars of G
   • 2 bars of D
   • 2 bars of G
     Any tune based on this chord sequence can be identified as a 12-bar blues.

4. Blue Notes
   Blue notes, often flattened thirds, are a vital part of bluegrass, western swing, and country music.
   All these features can be seen in the playing of early Black musicians.

The Knox County Blues

We're going to play a tune called The Knox County Blues, derived from the playing of the Tennessee fiddler Karl Martin, who recorded it in the 1930s. I strongly recommend checking out some of his recordings.

Chord Sequence of the Tune

Let's revisit the chord sequence of this tune:

• 4 bars of G
• 2 bars of C
• 2 bars of G
• 2 bars of D
• 2 bars of G

This is your standard blues sequence.

Playing the Tune

Now, I'm going to play through this slowly without backing and then we'll do it with backing. We'll incorporate lots of bending of notes.

Count: 1, 2, 3, 4.
For now, the hardest phrase is the last one:

• Start with the fourth finger playing a D on the G string.
• Slide down around a semitone, followed by an open G.
• Slur the three notes together.
• Use the second finger to play B flat and B for the last three bars.

Let's repeat that one more time slowly, and then we'll play with the backing.

Count Again: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Assignment for This Lesson

Your assignment for this lesson is:

• Listen to any blues music of your choice.
• Try to identify the key of what you're listening to.
• Follow along with the chords, identifying the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord.
• Finally, attempt to play along with the blues song, particularly focusing on the roots of the chords.