Blues Chord Structure

Lesson overview

Year Level: 10 (Ages 14-15) Length: 60 minutes Class size: 25 students Unit: Dive into the Blues (Lesson 1 of 3) Lesson Title: Blues Chord Structure and Culture WALT: We Are Learning To understand the blues chord structure and its cultural origins

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Curriculum Alignment

This lesson is specifically aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Years 9-10 (Phase 4), focusing on The Arts learning area. It develops students' ability to:

• Understand music structures and cultural contexts (Arts Understand & Know)
• Practise musical skills such as playing chords and strumming (Arts Do)
• Develop key competency of Using language, symbols, and text by reading chord charts and Managing self through practising and expressing interpretation of music
• Connect empathy and cultural understanding by exploring blues origins and its links to diverse cultures

The critical focus for Years 9-10 is "Having a purpose and being empathetic and resilient", which this lesson fosters through musical and cultural exploration and personal expression.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Identify and perform the 12-bar blues chord progression (C C C C, F F C C, G F C G) using color-coded chords and bar counting
• Explain the emotional and cultural significance of the I (C), IV (F), and V (G) chords in blues music
• Demonstrate a basic strumming pattern taught via the Kodály method
• Discuss cultural influences on the blues genre and articulate personal feelings associated with each chord

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Success Criteria

Students will:

• Accurately play and change between chords in the 12-bar blues progression
• Use colour-coded visual aids to guide chord finger placement and timing
• Verbally or in writing express emotions connected with the chord changes
• Perform a basic strum pattern confidently demonstrating rhythmic control
• Engage in cultural discussions, showing empathy and awareness of blues’ historical roots

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Resources

• Acoustic or electric guitars (25 or group sets)
• Colour-coded chord charts and handouts (large font, visuals for dyslexia-friendly support)
• Whiteboard or projector for chord diagrams and bar counts
• Audio examples of blues music from multiple cultures
• Flashcards with Roman numerals for chords (I, IV, V)
• Space for small group presentations (extension task)

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Lesson Plan

Time	Activity	Details	Differentiation	Assessment
0-10 mins	Intro & Cultural Context	Discuss blues origins - African American roots, influence of various cultures (e.g., African rhythms, European instruments). Play blues audio extracts with different cultural styles. Introduce emotional qualities of home, longing and expression in blues.	Use visuals, storytelling, and simplified language; encourage oral contributions for diverse learners	Verbal Q&A engagement; student reflections
10-25 mins	Chord Progression Introduction	Teach 12-bar blues progression: C C C C, F F C C, G F C G. Use colour-coded chord charts (e.g., C=red, F=blue, G=green). Students practice chord shapes and transitions individually and in pairs, counting bars aloud together	Provide simplified chord shapes (e.g., partial chords) for beginners; visuals with large text; paired practice for peer support	Teacher observation of chord accuracy and participation
25-35 mins	Roman Numerals & Emotional Discussion	Introduce Roman numerals I (C), IV (F), and V (G) — relate to “feeling of home” and “romantic numerals”. Students identify these numerals on charts. Discuss how each chord makes them feel musically and emotionally	Allow oral or artistic expression (drawing feelings) for students with writing difficulties	Formative check through sharing feelings assigned to chords
35-50 mins	Strumming Pattern with Kodály Method	Teach a simple blues strumming pattern using the Kodály method (movements to represent rhythm). Students imitate teacher and practise on guitars combining chords and strums. Use guided counting to keep steady beat	Simplify strum for those struggling; use tapping on bodies or desks if no instrument	Performance check on strumming and rhythm control
50-58 mins	Group Reflection & Cultural Exploration	Whole-class discussion on how blues chords connect to cultural identity and emotions. Introduce extension task: create a presentation on a blues musician from a culture different to their own	Provide scaffold notes and presentation frameworks	Listen to oral contributions; note depth of understanding
58-60 mins	Wrap-up and Homework	Recap WALT and success criteria. Hand out dyslexia-friendly colour-coded chord charts for home practice. Outline extension task instructions	Clear instructions with written and oral components	Homework: practice chord progression; prepare musician presentation

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual Aids: Colour-coded handouts, chord diagrams, and large print to support all learners, particularly those with dyslexia
• Simplified Chords: Offer easier chord variations for beginners or students with fine motor difficulties
• Oral Expression: Allow students with writing or literacy challenges to express feelings through speech or artwork
• Peer Assistance: Paired practice encourages collaboration and support
• Multisensory Approach: Kodály method strumming incorporates movement and auditory learning

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Extension Activity

Students research a blues musician from a culture outside their own cultural background (examples may include blues in New Zealand, West Africa, or Latin America). They prepare a short presentation (2-3 minutes) discussing the musician’s style, cultural impact, and how blues has been adapted. This promotes cultural empathy and deepens understanding of global musical connections.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Considerations

• Use highly visual, colour-coded materials with consistent chord colours throughout the lesson
• Large font handouts with simple instructions and ample spacing
• Use diagrams instead of text-heavy explanations where possible
• Include oral instructions and check comprehension frequently
• Allow extra processing time for chord changes and musical timing

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This lesson plan integrates music skills, cultural understanding, and key competencies in a way that reflects the New Zealand Curriculum's values and principles. It builds students' musical knowledge and self-awareness, fostering empathy through the lens of blues music and its global cultural intersections.

If you require a follow-up lesson plan for Lessons 2 and 3 in "Dive into the Blues," please ask!