Lesson 11

The 12 Bar Blues progression is a recurring progression that consists of 12 measures called bars (named for the bar that separates each measure in written notation). The basic 12 Bar Blues pattern will consist of :

The tonic ( I ) chord played for the first four measures (bars).

followed by two bars of the sub-dominant (IV) chord

back to the tonic (I) for two more bars

one bar of the dominant 7th (V-7th)

one bar of the IV chord

and back to the I chord for the final two measures

This pattern is repeated for the entire song.

Listen   "The 12 Bar Blues Progression"

Lyrically, the typical blues verse will contain only three lines. The second line is, most often, a repeat of the first, followed by a third line whose final word will complete the rhyme scheme.

Listen   "Good Mornin' Blues"

The 12 Bar Blues progression is one of the most important chord progressions that a guitarist can learn for many reasons:

1. It is relatively easy to play involving only three chords.

2. Many songs and styles including "boogie", "rockabilly" "Country", and "Rhythm and Blues" (R&B) have been developed from the basic 12 Bar Blues progression.

3. It is universal. Anyone with any degree of guitar playing ability can play, or easily learn, the basic Blues progression. The 12 Bar Blues acts as a common language among musicians allowing players of many diverse styles of music to play together.

The 12 Bar Blues structure offers considerable room for variation. Adding certain chords and syncopated bass patterns as well as various right hand strumming techniques will give each blues song its own unique character.

Increasing the tempo and placing emphasis on the 2 and 4 ( 2nd and 4th ) beats of each measure is termed adding a backbeat and will give the progression a "rock-abilly" or "rock and roll" feel.

Adding the 1-7th in bar 4, and a V- 7th in the final bar will create a musical tension that must be resolved. by the IV or the I chord.

The notes that create tension in these 7th chords are known as blue notes.

The flatted, 3rd, 5th and 7th tones of the scale (notes lowered by one fret) are the typical blue notes in a blues scale.

These notes are at the heart of the blues sound, and are generally sung as part of the melody line.

With enough practice you will soon be able to "hear" when to play the alternate chord variations in the Blues progression. Remember, however, that sometimes the accompaniment to the melody will sound better without using the blue notes.