Which notes are referred to as the "blues" notes?

The "blues" notes are primarily defined as the lowered third, fifth, and seventh degrees of the scale. These notes are crucial to the blues genre and contribute to its characteristic sound, which evokes a sense of emotion and depth.

In the context of the blues scale, the lowered third introduces a specific dissonance that expresses feelings of sadness or longing, while the lowered fifth and seventh add further complexity and tension to the music. This is integral to the formation of blues riffs and melodies, providing that distinct, soulful feeling that defines the genre.

Understanding the role of these notes helps musicians recognize how they shape the harmony and improvisation typical in blues music, making them foundational elements for performances, composition, and appreciation of the genre. The other combinations of notes listed in the choices do not accurately reflect the structure of the blues scale and therefore do not capture the essence of what constitutes the "blues" notes.