Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast Are blue notes out of tune?
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Apr 22, 2025 Dive into the world of blue notes, where emotion transcends traditional tuning! Discover how these notes not only symbolize pain but also convey beauty and joy, rooted in rich musical traditions. Explore their significant role across decades and genres, from blues to rock. Plus, get insights from a key book discussing complex pitch zones, encouraging a hands-on approach to music. Get ready to embrace the unpredictable magic of sound!
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Early Blue Notes Example
- Skip James's 1931 "Devil Got My Woman" shows blue notes bending between piano keys.
- He sings a blue third between F and F sharp in the key of D.
Blue Notes Define Authenticity
- Blue notes are essential for authentic blues and related styles; playing only 12-tone equal temperament misses their essence.
- Panos Karolampidis describes the blues scale as flexible pitch zones, not fixed notes.
Blues Expresses Beauty Not Pain
- Blue notes do not sound out of tune but sound right and beautiful within blues context.
- Miles Davis denied blues is about suffering; it's about pleasure and beauty, not pain.
