The first part of our series focused on the different ways songs open. The second part (last month) focused on the most common breaks used in the body of a blues song. In this last installment, we'll focus on the common ways songs end.
Break on the I (Measure 11)
This is by far the most common way a song will end. In this ending the band leader raises their hand or looks at the band somewhere around the V or IV chord and drops their hand or motions their head at the downbeat of the I chord (measure 11). The band breaks on the downbeat of the I chord (measure 11) and an ending lick is played. You can play the lick alone, or the band may play a lick with you. If you wish another musician, such as the guitarist, to play the ending lick, look at them and point to them as you break the band. If you want to play the ending lick by yourself (band stays out), then you should tell them ahead of time that you'll play the ending lick alone. If you want the band to play the ending lick with you, then again tell the band before you begin the song. If you don't care, then don't worry about it and you'll get whatever happens. If you're playing in a regular band you can devise a signal for the break signal that tells them whether the ending will be a clean break where you play alone or if the band is going to play with you.
As in all breaks, you must keep your rhythm strong and play in a way that lets the other musicians feel where you're at within the form. The band will most commonly enter back in on beat two of measure 12. The example below demonstrates this.
Ex. 1
There are four common ways to play an ending lick:
- No Change - Play the lick at the same tempo all the way through to the end.
- Ritard - As you play the ending lick, start to ritard (slow down) your rhythm, slowing more and more as you progress to the end. Make sure your ritard is smooth; don't jump down in rhythm too fast. Remember that the band needs to be able to follow you so that they can enter at the end with you. If you're playing as an accompaniment instrument, listen to the snare drum when the band ritards-this is your best bet to stay in time with the band.
- Straight Eighth - This is where a shuffle rhythm (swung rhythm) changes to a straight eighth feel for the ending. This is a nice change to add interest at the ending.
- Straight Eighth with a Ritard - This is where we mix both of these elements together. In my experience, most endings use a slight ritard and a slight straightening of the rhythm.
Break on the IV (Measure 10)
In this variation the band breaks on the IV (Measure 10) while you play a lick. The band enters again on the I (Measure 11) to play an ending lick with you. If you want to get fancy you could play the lick by yourself on measure 10 and measure 11.
Ex. 2
Play the V Three Times
For this one you'll play the last four measures three times and on the third repeat you'll use either of the two endings we just mentioned.
Clean Break
A clean break is a great way to end a song when you feel the standard break won't work well or on the original recording they faded out and again you feel the standard break won't do the song justice. You can perform a clean break anywhere, but it is most commonly played on the downbeat of measure 12.
Ex. 3
Free-Form Break
For this ending you break the band wherever you wish (probably measure 10 or 11) and play for as long as you wish. At the end of your flurry of harmonica playing you play an ending lick or something like what I have written below (this is what Jr. Wells played in the song "Chitlin Con Carne"). Look at the band as you play this lick to let them know they're going to come in soon. Raise your head when you start to play the lick and then drop it when you play the last 2/5. This tells the band you want them to play the last chord of the song with you on your last note.
Ex. 4
Delayed Final Chord
Lastly, I want to bring up the point to watch the bandleader carefully if you're playing in an accompaniment role. Any of the last chords to be played (the band will commonly play two to three ending chords) can be held. If a three-chord ending is used, the bandleader may hold the middle chord for dramatic effect. As long as you watch the bandleader you'll do fine.
Best Regards,
David Barrett
About the Author
David Barrett
President, Harmonica Masterclass Co.
"Leader in Blues Harmonica Education" www.harmonicamasterclass.com
Founder/Director, School of the Blues www.schooloftheblues.com
Author, Mel Bay Publications & Blues Revue Magazine
www.harmonicamasterclass.com/books.htm & www.bluesrevue.com
http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/david.htm
