Traditional Music Flashcards
1
Q
blues music typical features
A
- repeated chord progressions (typically 12 bars, sometimes 16 bars)
- primary chords but often with added 7ths
- 4/4 time with a clear and steady beat
- moderate to slow tempo
- call and response texture (between voice and the instrument)
- repetition of lyrics (AAB Structure)
- blues notes used in the melody to add a mournful tone
- performance technique of slide
- brass instruments (trumpets, trombone)
- vocals, keyboard and bass
- walking bass lines
2
Q
reggae music - typical features
A
- 4,4 time
- moderate to slow tempo
- simple bass riffs with octave leaps
- emphasis on the backbeats (beats 2 and 4)
- one drop rhythm
- guitars using the skank technique to provide an accompaniment
- blues inflections in the melody line
- syncopated/push rhythms
- political/social lyrics
- prominent bass line
3
Q
African music/music influenced by Africa - typical features
A
- close harmony acapella singing
- call and response textures
- improvisation/ feeling of improvisation
- drum-based music
- polyrhythmic textures
- rhythms derived from natural speech patterns
4
Q
contemporary Latin music typical features
A
- 4/4 time
- lively tempo
- Latin percussion instruments eg. bongos, congas, claves
- dance rhythms such as the clave (salsa) or cha cha
- polyrhythmic textures
- syncopated rhythms
- use of ostinatos and riffs
- solo vocals in the verse with vocal harmonies in the chorus
- piano introductions
5
Q
folk music typical features
A
- simple melody and accompaniment textures
- acoustic (or semi-acoustic) instruments
- solo voice in the verse with vocal harmonies in the chorus
narrative: the songs tell a story - simple harmonies but with many inversions created by the guitar accompaniment
- irregular phrases
- rhythms derived from natural speech - often including scotch snap and syncopated patterns
- repetitive melody lines