Posted on May 17, 2008 by Abigail McHugh in - Creative Expression/Improvisation
I wrote this little blues number for my group classes, in order to introduce them to the blues and to give them some experience accompanying themselves on the cello while singing. I demonstrated my version, taught them the notes, had them accompany me to practice, and then we wrote new lyrics (“The Group Class Blues”) together as a class and all played and sang the new version. For homework, I challenged them to write a different version to perform in class the following week. I offered a small prize to anyone who took up the challenge. After playing our blues we discussed the 12 bar blues pattern and its harmonic significance.
The notes I used were:
G, B♭, A, B♭, G (4 times)
G, B♭, B♭, B♮, C (x2)
G, B♭, A, B♭, G (x2)
D, A, G♯, G♮, F♯ (x1)
C, G, F♯, F♮, E (x1)
G, B♭, A, B♭, G (x1)
G, B♭, A, A♭, G (x1)
Each group of notes starts on a pick up. This pattern or the vocal melody could be varied any number of ways.
See video demonstration. I apologize for the terrible recording quality.