Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

• The repetition of the lyrics and the melodic line contributes to the division of the song into the sections A
  A BA. Consider how the octave leap at the beginning of each A section also helps one to identify the section.


• In m. 16 just prior to the B section, the time signature changes to 5/4. Discuss how this change may affect
  the form of this song.

12-Bar Blues

The 12-bar bluesis a chord progression used not only in many blues songs (for which it is named) but is also
the harmonic basis of many popular songs. In its simplest form, it uses the primary triads in a key (I IV V).
Following is a common blues progression.

TRACK 106—CLASS EXERCISE

Listen to the 12-bar blues progression on Track 106 or to blues performers such as Muddy Waters and

Bessie Smith. With your instructor’s assistance, follow the chord changes by singing along with the bass.

Exercise 11

Read the lyrics out loud, then sing “St. Louis Blues” by William Handy. Listen for the chord changes; the roman
numerals are given for the first line. Complete the roman numeral analysis for the remainder of the piece; sing
the piece once more, adding triads on the piano or another instrument.
Notice:

• The lyrics for lines 1 and 2 are identical; the last syllable of lines 1 and 3 rhyme.


• This song uses a modified 12-bar blues progression; the second triad in the first and last lines is the modified
  triad.

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FORM IN MUSIC

12 bar blues progression in 4/4:

I I I I

IV IV I I

V IV I I

The blues emerged out of the African–American musical tradition, which included spirituals, “call and response” and field songs,

and ballads. Many were slow, melancholy songs expressing feelings about loss, oppression, or troubled lives.

Culturalnote: The Blues

Workbook Exercise 16.3