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LESSON PLAN: Composing a 12 Bar Blues Song

Objective

Students will understand the phrase structure of a 12 bar blues lyric and the concept of AAB and Call and Response. They will demonstrate learning by composing an original blues lyric.

Resources

Blues Lyric Worksheet, sample recording of “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton and Elvis, whiteboard or projector to show lead sheet

Vocabulary and Terms

Procedures

  1. Play both recordings of “Hound Dog” for your students and discuss differences.
  2. Teach them how to sing the song and sing through it a few times. Stick with a couple of verses for ease and to save time. Accompany yourself and the class with a backing track or guitar or piano.
  3. Explain the concept of “Call and Response” and AAB. The call of the first line is: “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog” and the response is “Been Snooping ’round my door.” This whole line fits over the first 4 bars of the 12 bar form. It repeats for the second 4 bars. These are the two “A” lines. The call of the B line is “You can wag your tail” and the response is “But I ain’t gonna feed you no more.” This line fits over the last 4 bars of the 12 bar form.
  4. You should write the lyrics under a lead sheet showing how they line up with the musical form.
  5. Once you are sure students are familiar with the concepts, distribute the “Lyric Writing Worksheet.”
  6. Have students complete worksheet independently for Part A, and with a partner for Part B.
  7. Have students perform their work either privately or for the class!

Extension

  1. Record and submit to the Music Will (formerly known as Little Kids Rock) Songwriting Exhibition!
  2. Other good examples of 12 bar blues are “Crossroads” by Eric Clapton and “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King. There is an excellent version of Solange doing this as a duet with B.B. King on YouTube.

National Core Arts Standards (Music)

Anchor Standard #1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. Anchor Standard #2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. Anchor Standard #3: Refine and complete artistic work. Anchor Standard #4: Analyze, interpret, and select artistic work for presentation. Anchor Standard #5: Develop and refine artistic works for presentation. Anchor Standard #8: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. Anchor Standard #7: Perceive and analyze artistic work
Responding - Anchor Standard #10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

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