The most common musical form of blues is the 12 bar blues. The term "12 bar" refers to the number of measures, or musical bars, used to express the theme of a typical blues song. Nearly all blues music is played to a 4/4 time signature, which means that there are four beats in every measure or bar and each quarter note is equal to one beat.
A 12 bar blues is divided into three four bar segments. A standard blues progression, or sequence of notes, typically features three chords based on the first (written as I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) notes of an eight-note scale. The I chord dominates the first four bars, the IV chord typically appears in the second four bars and the V chord is played in the third four bars.
The lyrics of a 12 bar blues song often follow what's known as an AAB pattern. "A" refers to the first and second four bar verse, and "B" is the third four bar verse. In a 12 bar blues, the first and second lines are repeated, and the third line is a response to them, often with a twist.
Not all blues songs follow the 12 bar format, but by understanding this basic musical framework, the listener will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all blues music.
A 12 bar blues is divided into three four bar segments. A standard blues progression, or sequence of notes, typically features three chords based on the first (written as I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) notes of an eight-note scale. The I chord dominates the first four bars, the IV chord typically appears in the second four bars and the V chord is played in the third four bars.
The lyrics of a 12 bar blues song often follow what's known as an AAB pattern. "A" refers to the first and second four bar verse, and "B" is the third four bar verse. In a 12 bar blues, the first and second lines are repeated, and the third line is a response to them, often with a twist.
Not all blues songs follow the 12 bar format, but by understanding this basic musical framework, the listener will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all blues music.
Source: Understanding the 12-Bar Blues by Vulcan Productions
T.L. Barrett & Youth For Christ Choir - Ever Since
T.L. Barrett & Youth For Christ Choir - Ever Since
- From Like a Ship (Without a Sail)
- Songwriter, arranger, electric piano by: Pastor T.L. Barrett
- Genres: Gospel, Soul, Funk, Chicago Soul
"Self-released in 1971, Like A Ship was the result of Barrett channeling his passion for music, a determination to keep children off the streets, and his charismatic preaching into the production of the album."
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