Key Stage 3 Music - The Blues


Cubase Task

In this unit you will be learning about Blues and the 12 bar blues chord pattern that is used.

You will be creating your music using the computers independently using the resources given.


Lesson Objectives

  • Learning to set up a Cubase project to compose Gaming Music.

Task 1

Make sure you are sat at one of the PCs around the outsides of the room in ex5.

Download the PowerPoint instructions below '01a. Setting up first time users' and select 'Open' when prompted.

Read each slide carefully then follow the step by step instructions.


Learning Objective

  • To be able to create a 12 bar blues chord structure

Task 2

You will now need to create the chords that are used in Blues music. You will be using the 12 Bar Blues chord structure in C major.

You will be using a piano sound for this so you will need to add the instrument (02. Adding an instrument (piano)) and create a blank part ready for your chords (03. Setting up a blank part)

You will now need to create your chords (04. Inputting the part (chords)) to show you how to create the first chord of C major. Once complete you will need to duplicate this 4 times (05. Using duplicate (chords)). You will then need to complete the rest of the chords to create your 12 bar blues chord sequence. (06 Inputting the rest of the part (chords))

Learning Objective

  • To be able to compose a walking bass line

Task 3

You will now need to create a walking bass line. You will need to add another instrument and choose a bass instrument instead of piano. You will then need to create a blank part.

Your walking bass line will match up with the chords you have used

C maj (C, E, G, A, Bb)

F maj (F, A, C, D, Eb)

Gmaj (G, B, D, E)


Learning Objective

  • To be able to compose a swing drum rhythm

Task 4

Creating the drums. You will need to add another instrument part but choose a drum kit this time. You will be creating a one bar drum rhythm that you will duplicate for the rest of your piece. You will be creating a swing rhythm to suit the Blues music.