What is a blues 'head'?

In this lesson, we will look at how a main melody or theme is used in blues music and learn how to play a very famous 'head'.

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Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

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Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.When West African people were transported to North America, what did they bring with them?

Their musical traditions.Materials to build with.Spices and herbs.

1/6

Q2.Name a famous song by this rock and roll artist Little Richard.

Jailhouse RoackTutti FruttiHeartbreak Hotel

2/6

Q3.Which parts of the drumkit did we recreate using chair drumming?

Cymbal, pedal and tom.Kick, floor tom and crash.Kick, snare and hi-hat.

3/6

Q4.How is a walking bass line created from chords?

A walking bass line is the notes of the chords 'broken' into an ascending and descending pattern.A walking bass line is the notes of the chords played together at the same time.A walking bass line is the notes of the chords played an octave apart.

4/6

Q5.What is this rhythm called?

Syncopated rhythm.Standard rock rhythm.Double shuffle rhythm.

5/6

Q6.If you are playing a 12 bar blues in G what would the I, IV, and V chords be?

G, C and DC, E and GG, F and A

6/6

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.When West African people were transported to North America, what did they bring with them?

Their musical traditions.Materials to build with.Spices and herbs.

1/6

Q2.Name a famous song by this rock and roll artist Little Richard.

Jailhouse RoackTutti FruttiHeartbreak Hotel

2/6

Q3.Which parts of the drumkit did we recreate using chair drumming?

Cymbal, pedal and tom.Kick, floor tom and crash.Kick, snare and hi-hat.

3/6

Q4.How is a walking bass line created from chords?

4/6

Q5.What is this rhythm called?

Syncopated rhythm.Standard rock rhythm.Double shuffle rhythm.

5/6

Q6.If you are playing a 12 bar blues in G what would the I, IV, and V chords be?

G, C and DC, E and GG, F and A

6/6

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >

Quiz:

What is a blues 'head'?

Here is your opportunity to show everything you have learned about blues head arrangements and melodies. Make sure you read the questions carefully.

Q1.What types of instruments were used in early blues music?

Percussion and guitarBrass and woodwindConcertina and vocals