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The Relationship Between the Melodic-Harmonic Divorce in Blues-Based Rock, the Structure of Blue Tonality, and the Blue Tonality Shift

Quillen, Zachary J.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1653-2613
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1617440977351617

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Music (MM), Ohio University, Music Theory (Fine Arts).
This thesis proposes an alternative explanation for the melodic-harmonic divorce cited in the blues-based examples from David Temperley’s “The Melodic-Harmonic `Divorce’ in Rock” and Drew Nobile’s “Counterpoint in Rock Music: Unpacking the `Melodic-Harmonic Divorce.’” To support this argument, I will synthesize, adapt, and expand the work of Gerhard Kubik, Peter Van Der Merwe, Jeff Todd Titon, and Nicholas Stoia in order to define the basic tenets of blue tonality. I will then contrast those principles with those of Western common practice tonality (Bach to Brahms) in order to develop a system that demonstrates when a blue tonality shift becomes the more appropriate model for a musical passage rather than melodic-harmonic divorce. I will conclude by presenting analyses of the following blues-based songs using the blue tonality shift system: 1. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones 2. “Rockin’ Me Baby” by The Steve Miller Band 3. “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive 4. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge 5. “Rollin’ & Tumblin” by Muddy Waters 6. “Baby, You Can Drive My Car” by The Beatles
Ciro Scotto, PhD (Advisor)
Allyn Reilly, PhD (Committee Member)
Richard Wetzel , PhD (Committee Member)
132 p.
Fine Arts; Music
blue tonality; blues scale; blues-based rock; melodic-harmonic divorce; blue note; blue tonality shift; stratification; 025 middle-tonic ladder of thirds; modal frame; non chord tones; levels; ladder; 12 bar blues; mode; hanging thirds; dropping thirds

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Quillen, Z. J. (2021). The Relationship Between the Melodic-Harmonic Divorce in Blues-Based Rock, the Structure of Blue Tonality, and the Blue Tonality Shift [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1617440977351617

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Quillen, Zachary. The Relationship Between the Melodic-Harmonic Divorce in Blues-Based Rock, the Structure of Blue Tonality, and the Blue Tonality Shift. 2021. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1617440977351617.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Quillen, Zachary. "The Relationship Between the Melodic-Harmonic Divorce in Blues-Based Rock, the Structure of Blue Tonality, and the Blue Tonality Shift." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1617440977351617

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1617440977351617
567
© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.