back beat - in 4/4 time the second and fourth beats are usually played by the snare drum. The back beat can also be played by a rhythm guitar, mandolin or horn section usually in a short, choppy manner called staccato. On stringed instruments you will need to mute the chords quickly after playing.
bass - bottom - the lower frequencies of sound. Includes instruments like bass drum and bass guitar which usually play the down beat or the first and third beats of a measure in 4/4 time. Also refers to a function on an amplifier that controls the lower frequencies.
B
bar - or measure of music. A part of the time signature function of writing music notation. The staff is divided into sections of a certain number of beats by a vertical line that goes from the top 'F' line to the bottom 'E' line called a bar line. The top number in the time signature signifies how many beats are in a measure.
break - usually two or four measures when a lead instrument takes a solo with just drums or unaccompanied to create a moment of dramatic effect. Dynamic arrangements are created by the drop out of the rhythm section. A break is also a short rest between sets during a performance.
bodhran - Irish or Celtic hand drum usually played with a short, double ended stick.
Blues - African Americans of the late 19th and early 20th century are given credit for the creation and development of the blues. There are few references to the colour blue to describe deep sorrow or depression dating back a century or more. It is possible then, that it became associated with the spirituals and work songs of the slaves in the southern United States as those songs began to be accompanied by various instruments, most often, the six string guitar. With the musical accompaniment came the development of the chord progressions and blue notes now commonly associated with the blues.
blend - refers to the combining of sounds or voicing, creating a smooth unity. When the unity is just right, an harmonic vibration occurs, creating an extra factor to the sound.
bending notes - a technique used by guitar players and some wind instrument players like saxophone and harmonica can change the pitch of a note by stretching a string or changing the breath or mouth shape. Bending notes add a dimension of drama and emotion to music. - guitar - harmonica
