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Blues harmony is the harmonic language of blues music. It combines dominant seventh chords, blues scales and characteristic harmonic movement to create the distinctive sound associated with blues, rock, jazz and soul.
What is blues harmony?
Unlike traditional major and minor harmony, blues harmony often blends major and minor sounds at the same time. A common example is playing melodies based on the blues scale over dominant seventh chords, creating the expressive tension that gives blues its unique character.
Blues harmony typically features dominant seventh chords built on the I, IV and V degrees of the scale. Blue notes, such as the flattened third, flattened fifth and flattened seventh, add colour and emotional expression to both melodies and improvisation.
How is blues harmony used in piano playing?
Understanding blues harmony helps piano players create authentic blues accompaniments and improvisations. By combining dominant seventh chords with blues scales and expressive phrasing, pianists can produce the rich, soulful sound that defines the style.
Blues harmony also forms the foundation of many styles beyond traditional blues, including rock and roll, rhythm & blues, jazz and soul music.