Sweet Music

  Depiction of the Blues Scale by ArtByAdam The blues scale, particularly associated with Robert Johnson and other blues musicians, is a modification of the minor pentatonic scale with the addition of a flattened fifth, often referred to as the "blue note." This note adds a distinct dissonance or "bluesy" feel to the scale. Intervals of the Blues Scale In the context of a minor blues scale, the intervals are as follows: 1. Root to Flat 3rd: Minor 3rd (one and a half steps) 2. Flat 3rd to 4th: Major 2nd (whole step) 3. 4th to Flat 5th (Blue Note): Minor 2nd (half step) 4. Flat 5th to 5th: Minor 2nd (half step) 5. 5th to Flat 7th: Major 2nd (whole step) 6. Flat 7th to Octave (Root): Minor 3rd (one and a half steps) In the Key of C For example, in the key of C, the notes of the C blues scale would be: C (root), Eb (flat 3rd), F (4th), Gb (flat 5th/blue note), G (5th), Bb (flat 7th), C (octave/root). Characteristic Sound The addition of the blue note (flat 5th) to the m...

  Depiction of Robert Johnson and the Devil The legend of Robert Johnson, a highly influential American blues musician. According to the legend, Johnson acquired his extraordinary skills on the guitar through a Faustian bargain with the devil. The story goes like this: Background: Robert Johnson was born in Mississippi in 1911 and was a relatively unknown blues singer and guitarist in his early years. His early performances did not indicate the extraordinary talent he would later be known for. The Crossroads Deal: According to legend, Johnson was desperate to achieve musical greatness. He supposedly went to a crossroads near the Dockery Plantation at midnight, where he met a large black man (believed to be the devil). Johnson handed his guitar to the man, who tuned it and played a few songs before returning it. This exchange granted Johnson mastery over the instrument. Sudden Mastery: After this supposed encounter, Johnson's musical skills dramatically improved. He returned to the ...