4/4 time

Moderate speed

Can use a shuffle rhythm with a three note riff - Shuffle was later used in R&B

Syncopation used, particularly in improvisation

No recording equipment so songs were passed aurally and as a result were changed from person to person.

1920's - first Blues song recorded - 'Crazy Blues' by Mamie Smith

Blues scale used, particularly during improvisations

Call and response (African tradition)

Improvisation

Lyrics - traditional - single line repeated four times then it changed to AAB pattern - same line twice and then a new line

Lyrics were about racial discrimation and other challenges faced by African Americans

Use bend notes

Use to be only a vocal type of music without sheet music

End of the slave trade acoustic instruments (Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Double Bass) were used and then with the development of instruments in the 1950's electric instruments were used (Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Harmonica played through a microphone)

PA systems started to be used after 1950's

12 Bar Blues chord progression used - Example - C C C C, F F C C , G F C C

Blues notes are used - flattened 3rds, 5ths and 7ths. These notes are also called "worried notes"

Walking Bass line is repetative and creates a groove