Have you ever noticed how many Blues tunes get played in E or in A, be they recordings; tunes played at jam sessions; what two strangers play who just sit down and start picking together; or what someone often plays when messing around with an instrument in a music store? (not to mention what many somewhat impaired groups play in a bar, tavern, or pub)
The reason why E & A are the most common “Blues Keys” becomes obvious when one can answer the question, “What makes the Blues sound Bluesy?” It’s all about what I call “approaching dissonance”. There are only three ways to combine notes, unison, harmony, or dissonance. Generally speaking, dissonance is not enjoyed and I liken the skill of “approaching it” to a tight-rope walker thrilling the crowd by wavering but never falling from the wire. The addition of the b7th to a chord provides that musical “emotional tease” of almost falling from the wire. When a skilled improvisor bends into and/or very slightly beyond that point, blues fans love it! Beside the b7th there are two other “Blue Notes”, the b3rd & b5th.
Many have heard mention of the “Blues Scale” and it is nothing more than the minor pentatonic pattern (which already includes the b3rd & b5th) with the addition of the b7th i.e. it is now a hexatonic pattern. Put the minor pentatonic over a major I-IV-V progression (parallel minor, E min over E maj.) played as 7th chords & voila!!, you’re on your way to being a real blues player!
Why E & A? What are some of the easiest 7th chords to play? What are the easiest minor pentatonic patterns to play? I rest my case.
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