The blues is a kind of music that can be vocal, instrumental (blues guitar) or both. It applies
the 'blue' notes which are accomplished on a 'minor pentatonic' scale most of the time, otherwise
known as the blues scale.
Blues music was inferred from the African-American communities in the U.S. out of job songs,
spiritual songs, field hollers, chants, shouts and elementary ballads that rhymed. A lot of aspects
of the blues comes from African culture
The call-and-response aspect of the music came straight from African origins and there were a lot of
riffs that would get duplicated thrice or more. This later developed into a line repeating twice and
then on the third time around there would be an 'answer line'. You will be able to still discover
these aspects of early blues in modern day music, especially hip-hop.
The term 'The Blues' refers to the 'blue devils' which means down spirits or unhappiness.
The blues guitar brings a important role in blues music as well as contemporary music. It has
influenced Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Bluegrass and even heavy rock genres The original blues of the
early 1900's, differently known as "poor man's blues" was usually related with hard times,
oppressiveness from white folk, harshness of the police, gambling, economic depression, floods,
magic, farming and dry periods. This music was fueled by a lot of heartache and sorrow. Usually a
lost loved one or an general hostile surrounding invigorated the lyrics and the tone of the blues
guitar.
After the world war, you start to see blues songs that were about relationships and sexuality. Also,
wit was broadened to the mix. Here is a funny example:
"That must be your woman, cause mine don't look like that... I said That must be your woman, cause
mine don't look like that... Have you seen my baby? She's so big and fat..."
The blues guitar style came forth from the American South's instruments of the time which were the
banjo and the Diddley Bow. This was a home made one stringed instrument that was best-selling in the
early 20th century. Figures such as Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Son House and Blind Willie
McTell were a part of the delta blues style which used a lot of finger picking techniques and slide
guitar innovations.
Eventually, after WWII 'electric blues' became increasingly popular where the blues guitar was
played on electric guitars as were the bass guitars. This was most prevalent in the Chicago area.
The history of blues guitar and poor man's blues is rich with culture and narratives of good times
and bad. I could go on for days about the history of the blues guitar but let's make this part 1 so
you don't fall asleep on me!
