Exploring the Blues: A Quiz

Which American region is most closely associated with the origins of blues music?

• The Mississippi Delta

• The Scottish Highlands

• The Australian Outback

• The French Riviera

Answer explanation

The Mississippi Delta is widely recognized as the birthplace of blues music, rooted in African American history and culture, making it the correct choice over the other unrelated regions.

What is the most common structure used in traditional blues music?

• 12-bar blues

• 8-bar verse

• 16-bar chorus

• 32-bar bridge

Answer explanation

The 12-bar blues is the most common structure in traditional blues music, consisting of a specific chord progression that repeats every 12 bars, making it foundational to the genre's sound and style.

Which of the following is a typical chord progression for a 12-bar blues in the key of C?

• C - F - G

• C - D - E

• C - F - C - G - F - C

• C - G - D

Answer explanation

The typical 12-bar blues progression in C is C - F - C - G - F - C. This structure emphasizes the I, IV, and V chords, which are essential in blues music, making this choice the correct answer.

What is a walking bassline?

• A bassline that moves smoothly in stepwise motion, often using quavers

• A bassline that only uses one note

• A bassline played only on the drums

• A bassline that jumps in large intervals

Answer explanation

A walking bassline typically features smooth, stepwise motion, often using quavers, creating a fluid and rhythmic foundation in music. This distinguishes it from other basslines that may use fewer notes or larger intervals.

Which of these is NOT a primary triad in the key of G major?

• G major

• C major

• D major

• F major

Answer explanation

In the key of G major, the primary triads are G major, C major, and D major. F major is not part of this key, making it the correct answer as it does not belong to the primary triads in G major.

In blues music, which three chords are most commonly used as the primary triads?

• I, IV, V

• II, III, VI

• I, II, III

• IV, V, VI

Answer explanation

In blues music, the primary triads are based on the I, IV, and V chords. These chords create the foundation for many blues songs, making 'I, IV, V' the correct answer.

Which instrument is most commonly associated with playing walking basslines in blues music?

• Double bass

• Flute

• Violin

• Trumpet

Answer explanation

The double bass is the primary instrument for playing walking basslines in blues music, providing a strong rhythmic foundation and deep tones that complement the genre's style. Other instruments listed do not fulfill this role.

Which of the following is a technique used to create a walking bassline?

• Playing a sequence of notes that move by step or small intervals

• Strumming all the strings at once

• Only playing the root note of each chord

• Using only open strings

Answer explanation

A walking bassline typically involves playing a sequence of notes that move by step or small intervals, creating a smooth and melodic line that complements the harmony. The other options do not achieve this effect.

Who is considered one of the most influential early blues musicians?

• Robert Johnson

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Ed Sheeran

• Adele

Answer explanation

Robert Johnson is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the development of blues music, influencing countless artists with his guitar skills and songwriting. His work laid the foundation for future generations of musicians.

In a 12-bar blues in the key of F, which chords would you use for the primary triads?

• F, Bb, C

• F, G, A

• F, D, G

• F, Eb, Ab

Answer explanation

In a 12-bar blues in F, the primary triads are the I, IV, and V chords. In this key, these chords are F (I), Bb (IV), and C (V). Therefore, the correct answer is F, Bb, C.