- Strong, soulful, and emotive vocals often focusing on personal hardships and struggles.
2. Call-and-Response Structure:
- A typical Blues song features a "call" (a line sung by the lead vocalist) followed by a "response" (sung by the backup vocalist or chorus).
3. Improvisation:
- Blues is known for its improvisational nature, especially in instrumental solos.
4. Use of "Blue Notes":
- Incorporates "blue notes," slightly flattened or sharpened notes that create a distinct emotional feel.
5. Harmonic Structure:
- Usually based on a 12-bar Blues progression, which repeats throughout the song.
6. Chords and Instrumentation:
- Often played with a guitar or harmonica as the primary instrument, accompanied by simple drum and bass.
7. Lyrical Themes:
- Topics such as love, loss, poverty, and discrimination are common in Blues lyrics.
8. Origin and Cultural Impact:
- Originated in African American communities in the late 19th century and heavily influenced popular music genres like Jazz, Rock, and R&B.
9. Emotional Expression:
- Blues music allows artists to express strong emotions and convey a sense of resilience in the face of adversity.
10. Storytelling Aspect:
- Many Blues songs tell stories and create a connection between the performer and the audience.