A blues turnaround is a concise, two-bar phrase typically placed at the end of a 12-bar blues progression (in bars 11 and 12). Its primary role is to create a sense of movement and anticipation, either leading the listener back to the start of the progression or signaling the end of the piece. The turnaround’s hallmark is its emphasis on the transition from the V chord (dominant) to the I chord (tonic), skillfully balancing tension and resolution to keep the progression dynamic and engaging.
Musically, turnarounds often make use of chromatic passing tones, dominant 7th chords, diminished chords, or walking bass lines, all of which add harmonic richness and variety. For instance, a classic turnaround might involve a descending chromatic line starting on the V chord (e.g., G7) and resolving to the I chord (e.g., C7), with intermediate chords such as F7 or Bdim7 providing smooth voice leading and extra color.
The beauty of a blues turnaround lies in its versatility. While the basic structure can remain simple, players often embellish it with syncopated rhythms, altered chords, or melodic runs, tailoring it to their personal style or the mood of the piece. Whether understated or flashy, a well-crafted turnaround is essential to the blues’ rolling, cyclical flow and provides an opportunity for musicians to showcase their creativity and command of harmony.
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