Re: [Harp-L] Chord changes

[Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Oct 9, 2013, at 11:15 AM, Philharpn@xxxxxxx wrote:

> The problem with chord changes is there are several. And they're all slightly different.
> They come in 12-bar blues. And 8-bar blues. 16-bar blues anyone?
> 
> 
> And knowing what to expect the  next chord to be (as the progression or song goes along) requires being familiar with the form.

Respectfully, I'm not sure I agree with this. One does not need to know the form in advance to hear the changes. Indeed, it's a worthwhile exercise to figure out the form from scratch by listening carefully. I suggest starting off with some very straightforward blues, listen and count. There is one caveat. Not all songs start on the downbeat of the I. So this can get confusing. Can anyone think of any basic blues that start there?

Don't make too much of this exercise. Blues is relatively easy to decode. It has few, very well telegraphed chord changes. Even going from the V to the turn around, where they come a little faster, the changes are pretty obvious. 

If you're having trouble hearing them, try adjusting the EQ on your playback device by turning up the bass and turning down the mids and trebles. The bass player often plays the root notes on the changes and outlines the chords.


Bob Cohen
Writer, Internet Consultant, Teacher
w: bobjcohen.com
t: #itsabobworld