blue note
A 'blue note' is a key element in blues and jazz music, known for its expressive and emotional impact created by slight pitch alterations.
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Definition
B2Blues and Jazz Music
(idiomatic, musical)A note played at a slightly lower pitch than standard, creating a soulful or melancholic sound.
Example
- The guitarist used a blue note to add a touch of sadness to the melody.
- Blue notes are essential in creating the emotional depth of blues music.
C1Music Theory
(technical, academic)A flattened third, fifth, or seventh scale degree used to create tension and emotional expression.
Example
- In jazz, musicians often use blue notes to enrich the harmony and melody.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "blue note":