The Enigmatic Blue Notes in Blues and Jazz: Explored and Explained
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the concept of blue notes in the context of blues and jazz music. Understanding the nuances of these notes can greatly enhance one's musical expression and provide a deeper appreciation for the rich palette of sounds within these genres. This article aims to shed light on the role of blue notes, particularly in relation to the blues scale, tritones, and the mixolydian mode, helping musicians to better incorporate them into their playing.
Understanding the Scale Part
The term "blues scale" is often used interchangeably with the minor pentatonic scale (R b3 4 5 b7), which is frequently employed in blues and many blues licks. However, true to its name, the blues scale is a more elaborate construction, adding the flat 5 (b5) to the mix (R b3 4 b5 5 b7). This additional note, the b5 tri-tone, serves as the defining characteristic of the blues scale and contributes to the characteristic roughness and emotional intensity often associated with the genre. For the key of A, the blues scale would look like this: A C D Eb E G.
The Secret Blues Note
In addition to the standard blues scale, there is an elusive note known as the secret blue note, which plays a crucial role in blues solos. This note is the quarter step between the b3 and the 3. In the key of A, it would be between C and C#. The famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and his contemporary Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV), were renowned for using this note, particularly the secret blue note, in their solos. SRV often ended his solos with this note, as seen in his iconic solo from the song "Texas Flood," where he hangs on this note at 2:47.
Chords and Scale Usage
When it comes to chords, the use of blue notes can be somewhat confusing. Traditionally, in a twelve-bar blues progression, the key chord types are minor, dominant, and major seventh. For a standard A blues progression, the chords are A7, D7, and E7. In such a context, the choice of scale depends on the chord being played. Specifically:
Minor Pentatonic or Blues Scale (R b3 4 5 b7) on minor chords (e.g., A7, E7) Minor Pentatonic or Blues Scale (R b3 4 5 b7) or Mixolydian Scale (R 2 3 4 5 6 b7) on dominant chords (e.g., D7) Minor Pentatonic (R b3 4 5 b7) or Mixolydian Scale (R 2 3 4 5 6 b7) on major seventh chords (e.g., E7)While the use of the secret blue note is more flexible, it is most commonly used on the first (I) and fifth (V) chords in the blues progression. For example, on an A7 chord (the first in an A blues), you can play the quarter step bend off a C note, while on a D7 chord (the fourth in an A blues), you can play the C without the bend.
The Concept of Blue Notes in Greater Detail
The blue note is not just a technical addition to the scales but a profound musical concept. It involves the tritone, a trichord made up of three semitones, and the use of dominant and mixolydian modes. The tritone is a central element in blues and jazz, often heard in the opening notes of songs like "Red House" by Jimi Hendrix and "500 Miles" by Peter Green. The tritone is considered a prime note for creating a sense of tension and resolution that is fundamental to the emotional expression in these genres.
In a related vein, the dominant chord is a major chord with the fifth (7th) lowered by a semitone. This creates a characteristic tension that is resolved when the chord reaches the tonic. The mixolydian mode is a scale derived from the major scale, where the seventh scale degree is flattened to create a distinctive, bluesy sound. Understanding these elements allows musicians to achieve a deeper understanding of the blues and jazz, making their performances more vivid and expressive.
Conclusion
The blue note is a fascinating and enigmatic aspect of music, particularly in the realms of blues and jazz. While there is some debate around its exact position in the scales and its precise definition, the impact it has on the sound and emotional depth of the music cannot be overstated. For musicians looking to master the art of using blue notes, understanding the concepts of the tritone, the mixolydian mode, and the role of dominant chords can provide valuable insights. With practice and a keen ear, these nuances can be easily integrated into one's playing, adding a layer of richness and depth to any musical performance.
Key Points:
The blue note is primarily the quarter step between the b3 and 3 in the blues scale. The tritone is a fundamental component of the blue note concept, creating tension and resolution. The mixolydian mode is a scale often used in blues and jazz, characterized by its flattened seventh. Blue notes enhance the emotional expressiveness of the music, although their use is more of a feeling than a strict technical detail.