Blues Music - American Granddaddy of Music Styles

What does American music American Music and Vintage Guitars - Mark Weakley is an impressive artist; sculptor, painter, musician. He plays guitar, banjo and harmonica, and has recently recorded a CD of his original compositions. In this exclusive article he talks about himself, about his passions, about his father, about traditional american music, about vintage guitars and banjoes, and much more. American Music and Vintage… sound like? We know the distinct musical styles of countries like Germany, Spain, Ireland, Japan, and many others around the world, as each nation’s unique culture gives rise to identifiable musical sounds. But what about the United States?

America was primarily settled by people from Europe. The early music of America was European in nature, with a diverse range of musical styles being heard. Some might argue that this diversity continues in America today. However, there are common elements in contemporary music that did not exist in the early settlers’ music.

The influence of African slaves brought significant changes to American musical styles. African culture was suppressed during slavery, with their religion, language, and overall culture stripped away. However, since African culture relied heavily on oral traditions, it was impossible to eradicate their entire cultural identity. Many aspects of their musical heritage were preserved.

Before the advent of radio, movies, or television, people had to entertain themselves. Dance and music were the main forms of entertainment in the lives of early settlers. Slaves quickly realized that by becoming musicians themselves, they could improve their lives, as skilled musicians were highly valued at the time. They learned European music and musical instruments of that era but also infused their own musical culture into it.

There were aspects of African musical heritage that greatly differed from the Europeans’. While it would take an entire book to fully explain these differences, they can be summarized into two distinct elements: more complex rhythm patterns and variations in the notes of the Western musical scale that Africans incorporated into their music. These variations were applied to both their instrumental playing and singing, and eventually, white people grew to appreciate it.

Although these influences can be heard in early American music from the beginning of the 19th century, particularly in church music, they did not develop into a distinct musical form until after the Civil War. With newfound freedom, African Americans were able to travel and experience a variety of musical influences from both white and black musicians. Gradually, a new musical style emerged: the blues Learning the Blues Guitar, Things To Consider - The blues, a musical genre characterized by its vocal and instrumental style based on blue notes, originated in the 20th century, shortly after the Civil War in the Mississippi Delta. It evolved from the self-expression of African American communities in the United States through spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative… .

There is much misinformation and confusion surrounding the origins and development of the blues. Even blues scholars don’t always agree. However, it is widely accepted that the music of the 19th century, predominantly played by African Americans on the banjo (an adaptation of an African instrument), transformed at the end of the century when affordable guitars became available. The guitar’s ability to sustain notes allowed blues players to mimic the human voice, by bending strings and sliding between notes, emulating vocal techniques that deviated from standard Western musical notation. This became the essence of the blues.

An important concept to understand is the “Folk Process,” as described by music historians. This refers to the natural evolution of music, as individual musicians or groups adapt and interpret tunes in their own way. This process is responsible for the varied musical sounds that developed in different regions of the country. The singing and guitar playing Strumming Practicing The Guitar - Practicing the guitar takes time and dedication. Learning to play the instrument requires consistent practice, but it doesn't guarantee that you'll become a rock star. Nonetheless, with regular practice and skill development, you can still achieve proficiency. There are two methods to start strumming a guitar: using your fingers or using a pick. Find a… styles popularized by blues musicians were adapted to other genres, and the “Folk Process” is how blues singing and guitar techniques became ingrained in American musical culture.

If you listen to modern music, you’ll notice that these guitar techniques and vocal phrasings are used in numerous styles of American music. This can be attributed to the fact that much of 20th-century American music evolved from black blues and is, in many cases, a matter of white musicians playing the blues. While this statement may bother some, the reality is that regardless of the musical genre—country, jazz, pop, bluegrass, rock, or anything else—those musical elements introduced by slaves and developed by blues players are present. This is what gives different styles of American music a common, coherent feel. Though diverse, they are all connected and rooted in the blues, the granddaddy of American music.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME