Blues Music

4. A set of notes with “blue notes” that give blues its distinctive, expressive sound.
6. Known as the “Empress of the Blues” — a famous early blues singer from the 1920s.
8. A way of playing guitar by sliding a metal or glass tube along the strings for a smooth, “sliding” sound.
9. The speed of the music (how fast or slow it is).
10. A musical conversation where one phrase is “answered” by another instrument or voice.
12. The main tune of a piece of music — the part you can hum or sing.
13. A short, repeated musical phrase often used as a hook or accompaniment.
14. The lowest part of the music, usually played by a bass instrument, keeping rhythm and harmony.

1. A common chord pattern that lasts for 12 bars before repeating; the foundation of most blues songs.
2. A swung rhythm that gives blues music its relaxed, bouncy feel.
3. Making up music on the spot — often heard in blues solos and singing.
5. A group of notes played together, forming the harmony of a song.
6. A note that’s played slightly lower than usual to create a sad or soulful feeling.
7. A famous blues guitarist and singer who helped develop electric blues.
11. The words of a song.