Key Terms Jazz Week 1

The name for the set of chords used in blues music is the ______ bar blues.

List the instruments usually heard in Jazz/Blues music

Answer explanation

Jazz / Blues music typically includes the following instruments:

Saxophone

Trumpet / Trombone

Piano

Double Bass

Drums

(among others)

Which is the correct set of chords for the 12 Bar Blues in the key of C major?

• G G C C

  G F C C

  C C C C

• C D E F

  G F E D

  C D E F

• C C C C

  F F C C

  G F C C

• C C C C

  G G C C

  C C C C

What do you think that a Seventh Chord is?

Answer explanation

A Seventh Chord is simply a chord which includes the 7th note.

E.g.

C = 1

D = 2

E = 3

F = 4

G = 5

A = 6

B = 7

What is a blues scale? (Tick all that apply)

• Another word for a normal minor scale

• A sad sounding scale

• The scale used by Jazz players

• A scale using 'blue' notes

  (i.e. notes which have been flattened like Db)

• Another word for a normal major scale

Circle the 'Blue' notes in this blues scale

Answer explanation

The Blues notes are those which have been flattened,

e.g.

Eb Gb and Bb

What does improvisation mean?

• Inventing and creating music as you go

• The process of rehearsing work until it's of a better standard

• Creating music without words

• Playing music without anything written down

What do you think a 'Swung' rhythm is?

Answer explanation

To 'swing' a rhythm is to interpret a rhythm and make it sound more bouncy, as if you are galloping, with a slight gap between the notes you are playing. This creates a very typical 'bluesy/jazzy' feel.

The content of Blues songs typically...

• Describe the hardships in life

• Describe happy occasions

• Detail love stories

• Are about true life experiences

What is the difference between Jazz and Blues?

Answer explanation

The main focus of jazz music is the dynamics and improvisations of an ensemble, while blues music is usually centered on a single guitar player/vocalist, and the personal lyrical content of the song. Blues music was around before jazz, and can be considered an element of jazz music. However, jazz would not be considered a part of blues music per se.