This selection is a minor blues. Explain what this means. How is this different from all of the other blues selections presented in this chapter?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

•All the other examples in the chapter have been in major keys where the important chords (I, IV, V) have a major third—a musical interval/distance of two whole steps--between their first and second chord tones[1]. For example, a major chord built on C is made up of the tones C E G (C to E is a major third). However, in "Ain't Enough Comin' In," which is a minor blues, the important i, iv and v chords of the piece are minor chords built with lowered (flatted) or minor thirds—a musical interval/distance of one and half whole steps--between their first and second tones. Using minor chords gives the music an entirely different quality from songs using the major I, IV, and V chords. For example, a minor chord on C contains the tones C Eb G (C to Eb is a minor third). Play these two chords—C major (C E G) and C minor (C Eb G)—on any keyboard and you will immediately recognize them and their distinctly different chord qualities.