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If you have a passion for the blues and are a musical person, you might want to consider becoming a blues musician. There are specific chord progressions and notes used in most blues songs that you'll have to learn and incorporate into your playing...and it might help to authenticate your status as a blues musician if you've had to deal with a few hard knocks! Read on for an intro on how to become a blues musician.
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If you have a passion for the blues and are a musical person, you might want to consider becoming a blues musician. There are specific chord progressions and notes used in most blues songs that you'll have to learn and incorporate into your playing...and it might help to authenticate your status as a blues musician if you've had to deal with a few hard knocks! Read on for an intro on how to become a blues musician.
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Introduction
- Since it arrived in the 19th century, blues has had a great impact on popular music and has influenced many other musical styles, including rock, jazz, R&B (aka rhythm and "blues") and hip-hop. If you have a passion for blues music and want a career in music, you might want to become a blues musician.
Step 1: Listen and Study
- If you want to become a blues musician, the first step is to listen to the blues. You probably already listen to it if you're reading this article, but start picking apart the element of the songs and really listening to the chords, melodies and lyrics.
- Listen to famous blues or blues-influenced musicians from different time periods, such as B.B. King, Albert King, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Next, study the history of the blues, either by yourself or by taking a class. You need to understand the background and history of the music to create the kind of blues music that will actually move people.
Step 2: Understand the Blues
- Although all music styles have different characteristics, blues has specific chord progressions and notes used in most blues songs. Although you don't have to use them in your music, you should learn them to develop a better understanding of the blues.
- Learn the 12-bar blues chord progression. Most blues songs use this chord progression.
- Learn blues-specific notes—the specialized notes used in most blues songs.
Step 3: Play the Blues
- It's time to start playing.
- It's not necessary, but can be helpful, to take blues lessons.
- If you don't play an instrument, learn one. The most common blues instruments are the guitar, bass, harmonica, drums and piano.
- Practice performing, even if it's just for friends or family.
- Decide whether you want to write your own songs or perform covers.
- Form a blues band, as blues music usually incorporates several instruments.
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