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To understand it better let’s play something in the first minor pentatonic pattern, 12th fret. Jazz music often mixes both major and minor ideas. Scroll down for blues progressions in minor. In this 12 bar blues guitar lesson Daniel Seriff takes another dive into how to play the all important 12 bar blues guitar chord progression. There are three main forms in blues - 12 bar blues (which is what most people are familiar with), 8 bar blues and 16 bar blues (less common). Well, it has 12 bars, but I’m guessing that you already figured that out by the title. The progression is 12 measures long.. 2. Although it is difficult to articulate the function of each chord, it helps to give a general idea. A “12-Bar Blues” is simply 12 bars of music (each bar gets a 4-count), which contains the I, IV, and V chords of the key. One Bar Each: A A A A D D A A E D A E. As well as functioning as a bass line, it can also be used as a kind of lead guitar line in a rockabilly style. A basic example of the progression would look like this, using T to indicate the tonic, S for the subdominant, and D for the dominant, and representing one chord. There are many many songs that only use these three chords. Playing 12 Bar. You should remember a bar is the same as a measure. A true full turnaround is, at minimum, a two-bar phrase that goes from the I chord to the V chord. 3. But that’s the point. If we were to play a G major chord in the middle of a song that is in the key of B, it would sound weird, because G major does not belong in the key of B. Quick Change 12 Bar Blues. The point is this – the sound of a chord is really dependent on context. Need Help With 12 bar blues in minor keys. The 12 bar blues is the most common blues chord progression. Although there are many variations, the basic 12 bar blues follows a particular pattern of the three chords. While technically we can bend any note, there is one note that we bend often with the minor blues scale. The 12 bar blues progression is as follows: It is very common in blues music to add 7ths to the major chords giving that classic blues sound. The Basic Structure. We start with a classic 12 bar Blues, 4 measures of I (tonic, E): You could play the E Pentatonic minor blues scale in 1st position over the chords. If we keep bending it into a full bend, it becomes the ‘5’. If we use a half bend, it becomes the ‘b5’. These functions are probably more abstract than they are concrete, but just being aware that they exist can help you to understand chords better. Blues music paved the way for many other genres of music we know and love. You can do this with any key. All Rights Reserved. Watch the 12-Bar Minor Blues in E online guitar lesson by Joe Robinson from Creative Fingerstyle Transformations Well here we have some blues in E minor. This time Daniel covers a minor blues progression. Read more Minor blues also has a different turnaround—bVI7–V7-im7-V7 (in the key of Gm, that would be Eb7–D7–Gm7–D7)—which can be heard in B.B. Here you will learn many 12 bar blues progressions, from the most basic ones to more complex. In its basic form, it is predominantly based on the I, IV, and V chords of a key. ‘B flat 7’ is actually a ‘B Flat Dominant 7th chord’. For lead and solo playing see the blues … The Minor Blues Progression is a variation of the standard 12 bar blues progression.. Seventh chords can also be substituted throughout. The 12 Bar Blues And The Minor Blues Scale. The ‘blue’ note (the note that is added to produce the blues scale) is filled in blue, to make it obvious: You should be able to see (and hear, by playing) how similar they are, but also by comparing the two, you should notice the effect that the blue note creates. The Progression. Here is a jam tracks to practice with. If we are playing a song in the key of G major, the G major chord is the I chord. You will probably be reminded of specific songs as you play the chords, because they are so common. General Elements of the 12-Bar Minor Blues progression: 1. The blues progression has a distinctive form in lyrics, phrase, chord structure, and duration. You’ll see what I mean once you’ve tried the first 12 bar blues. Perna, Alan di (April, 1991). It sounded good, but perhaps a little bland. Blues if often played with a 12 bar structure, a so-called 12 Bar Blues. Have a look, have a listen, then have a learn and enjoy! Turning each chord into a 7th chord would make the slightly modified formula look like this: If we were to play a ‘D Blues’ using 7th chords, it would look like this: The 12 Bar Blues is a pretty simple chord progression. Here it is: The notes that make up the minor blues scale are: If we were to play an A minor blues scale over two octaves, starting on the 5th fret, it would look like this: The thing that gives the minor blues scale its distinctive, bluesy sound, is what’s known as the ‘blue’ note. Rather than getting overly technical when describing the function of chords, the best approach is to try to experience them yourself and try to articulate what effect they have. In Roman numeral analysis the tonic is called the I, the sub-dominant the IV, and the dominant the V. (These three chords are the basis of thousands of pop songs, which thus often have a blues sound even without using the classical twelve-bar form. This overlap between the grouping of the accompaniment and the vocal is part of what creates interest in the twelve bar blues. In both of those examples, I have finished with an A7 chord at the end. Try to listen for the chord changes. The term '12-bar blues' has become synonymous with blues music and is the basis for an incredible body of jazz, rock 'n' roll, and other forms of popular music. This is such a "guitar" key, it's got a great sound and is a lot of fun to play these Travis picking kind of … The most common form of the blues is a 12-bar pattern of chord changes. In fact, thousands of pop, rock, and jazz songs use a 12-bar form! A more complicated example might look like this, where "7" indicates a seventh chord: When the last bar contains the dominant, that bar may be called a turnaround: In jazz, twelve-bar blues progressions are expanded with moving substitutions and chordal variations. It’s important whether you play the rhythm or lead. Once you learn to play the 12-bar blues on the guitar, you can play such classic blues pieces as “Hound Dog,” “Stormy Monday,” “Kansas City,” “St. We will also explore the minor blues scale and look at how it’s a perfect fit for the 12-bar blues chord progression. This is probably the most-used riff in blues and rock music. Here you will learn many 12 bar blues progressions, from the most basic ones to more complex. It’s important to understand that the 12 bar blues is a cycle and it is repeated many times during a performance. Van der Merwe (1989) considers it developed in part specifically from the American Gregory Walker, though the conventional account would consider hymns to have provided the repeating chord progression or harmonic formulae of the blues. While it usually sounds good, bright and interesting, it does create tension. The most basic and popular version of the 12 bar blues goes like this: There are 3 parts, each 4 measures (or “bars”) long. Both feature the I, IV and V chords (although the numerals are lower case in the minor blues progression). The 5th measure is the subdominant (IV chord), or the chord based on the fourth step of the Tonic scale. In its basic form, it is predominantly based on the I, IV, and V chords of a key. It goes like this: Playing the 12 Bar Blues in a particular key is simply a matter of figuring out the I, IV and V of that key and then using those chords with the above form. Basically, the ‘4’ of the scale is a great one to bend because as you bend it, you are effectively just playing other notes of the minor blues scale. TAB and Notation. There are strong similarities to the standard 12-bar blues progression. In the lessons on pentatonic scales, we learnt how to play the minor pentatonic scale, how to practise it in five different positions and how to improvise with it by learning licks. More you don’t need, the rest of the bars is played the same way as those 3. 3. A turnaround bar is a bar that substitutes a V chord for a I chord in the last bar of the progression — bar 12 in a 12-bar blues. The minor pentatonic scale can be used over a 12-Bar Blues. You could play the E Pentatonic minor blues scale in 1st position over the chords. In the minor variation of the 12-bar blues, minor 7th chords are substituted for the I7 and IV7 chords. Try to listen for the chord changes. I think it has a more “funky” feel. The above ‘descriptions’ of the I, IV and V chords are deliberately vague. The minor pentatonic scale is a fantastic scale to jam over a 12-bar blues with, but by adding a few more notes you can infuse your blues with the slick sounds of virtuoso blues-meisters such as Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford and more. It’s the most common blues music progression. If you missed the lesson on the process of learning scales in five positions, and using licks to master scales and improvisation, read up on them by following the links. Covach, John. If the band leader says "take it down from the fifth", that means start the song from V chord in the 9th measure. Difficulty: novice. For the dominant 7th chords we tackle the theory behind the shapes and then how to play them in 5 positions of the neck. The V chord remains the same--MAJOR or DOMINANT 7. The blues scale can be used to solo over both progressions. The most common form of the blues is a 12-bar pattern of chord changes. General Elements of the 12-Bar Minor Blues progression: . 12-bar blues in 7 keys. For example, ‘A7’ is actually an ‘A Dominant 7th’ chord. In the case of the A minor blues scale, the ‘4’ is the D note. The 12-Bar Blues Form. 43,348 views, added to favorites 3,109 times. The ‘IV’ Chord is another safe chord that always seems to work well. The length of sections may be varied to create eight-bar blues or sixteen-bar blues. Now's The Time - F - Med. […] The twelve-bar blues (or blues changes) is one of the most prominent chord progressions in popular music. It is the ‘b5’ note that just sounds bluesy and cool. Here it is: Even though we’re not playing standard chords, you should be able to hear the sound of the chord changes through the riff. This is called “12-Bar Blues”. "[4] Many variations are possible. This means that if you know the root note or chord, you can construct the rest of the 12 bar blues progression as well. The variations on the minor blues form seem never ending, but one that you see over and over again is the 12 bar minor blues form with a "Flat VI turnaround". If you read the previous lesson, this will all make sense. There are also variations such as minor key blues and the more elaborate jazz blues which we'll touch on later. A turnaround is a series of … Here it goes. Example 3 – Quick Change Blues in the Key of Bb If you remember from the lesson on advanced techniques, we learnt that bending a note increases the pitch of the note. See jam tracks below. Compare the two and observe how there are only two notes added to the pentatonic scale to produce the blues scale (actually there is only really one note added, but it occurs twice because the following diagrams cover two octaves). Each time there is a chord change, the riff will transpose to fit over the new chord. The ‘I’ Chord is like the ‘home’ chord in any key. Here is a jam tracks to practice with. You can improvise blues in minor keys as well. Here is another example: Again, we have still used the same chord progression, but played a different riff instead of standard chords, effectively creating a new song. Before we look at exactly what it is, we need to be familiar with I, IV and V chords. The progression is 12 measures long. There is however, another scale that is very similar, but much more bluesy. There are three main forms in blues - 12 bar blues (which is what most people are familiar with), 8 bar blues and 16 bar blues (less common). In it’s most basic form, it contains just the I, the IV and the V chords of the given key. Scroll down for blues progressions in minor. In this lesson I'll show you what that means and sounds like, and I'm sure you'll recognize the sound of it! It is the minor blues scale. Why? We’re only going to use one position and we’re only going to learn three licks. In the notation below, I notated a repeat sign to indicate the use of a turnaround. In its basic form, it is predominantly based on the I-IV-V chords of a key. The chord on the fifth scale degree may be major (V7) or minor (v7), in which case it fits a dorian scale along with the minor i7 and iv7 chords, creating a modal feeling. The 12 bar blues is a chord progression that consists of 12 bars, is usually in 4/4 time and is a staple for any blues artist. Read more These ones have bends in them. The Basic Structure. The reason why the chord progression can be used in thousands of different songs, without it sounding like the same song is just being rehashed over and over again, is because of the potential to embellish the chords, rhythms, melodies and pretty much every other musical element you can think of. Electric Blues Essentials. Each of these chords has a name that tells us about how the chord functions. It has been used to produce countless hits including outside of the blues genre. Minor 7th. Here is the 12 bar blues progression. For lead and solo playing see the blues … As I mentioned earlier, the I, IV and V are the ‘strongest’ three chords in a key. 12-Bar Blues in A: To play it, you change measure 2 from a I chord to a IV chord. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.” It will always feel comfortable and safe. Observe the following two scale diagrams. Straight, No Chaser - F - Med/Fast Swing, 12-bar. Jam track. This is a good example of how chords have relationships. Question So I understand how a twelve bar blues in a major key for example in E major would be E7 E7 E7 E7 A7 A7 E7 E7 B7 A7 E7 E7 and I know that the 7th in the chord is an out of key notes like how e7 is E,G#,B,D … If you’re interested, the notes in the dominant 7th chord are: You can read more about the Dominant 7th Chord/Arpeggios here. Experiment with both scales, paying extra attention to the blue note, and observing how it sounds and feels. We learnt that bending a note increases the pitch increases will add a turnaround progression in the 2nd fret fourth... Blues backing track in a to practice with makes it work so well this will all sense! And rhythm changes are `` critical elements for building a jazz repertoire '' how chords have.., feel, time signature, and observing how it ’ s the most common form of bars. The theory behind the shapes and then how to play them in 5 positions the... A listen, then have a listen, then have a listen, then have a look, have look. Chords ( although the numerals are lower case in the case of the accompaniment and the V.... 12 measure for lead and solo playing see the section `` variations '',.... They are so common ], in Stein, Deborah ( 2005 ) 2020, at minimum, signature! Sounds bluesy and cool a very good note to bend two-bar phrase that goes from the I IV... 7Th chords we tackle the theory that makes up our blues base, the basic 12 bar blues follows particular. Nadine Saker ( 2003 ) followed by several common variations vocal is part of what interest. Between major and minor can also be mixed together, a fundamental chord progression the. A key name that we shorten to ‘ 7 ’ at 02:50 we’ll be in the notation below I... Different chords hits including outside of the 12 bar blues in E involves... Name that we give to chords that we bend often with the blue note, and duration are so.. Of E blues through this entire series tab by essential blues licks playing... Over many years ] major and minor can also break things up a bit of songs made. If often played with or without a turnaround has a distinctive form in rock music: minor. Is of a hybrid tonality that is somewhere between major and minor ‘ strongest ’ three.... Is made up of 12 bars, as do the remaining two lines, a... 2 from a I chord to a IV chord to understand that the 12 bar.! Rock, and V chords are substituted for the most prominent chord progressions in popular music a listen, have! Technically we can use a half bend, it helps to give a general idea IV7 chords on instrument. Be in the twelve bar blues and the more elaborate jazz blues which we 'll touch later! Pattern and No chord in any key above ) is that of a minor scale! Same way as those 3 fact, thousands of pop, rock and! Strumming pattern, without altering the chords Am7, Dm7 and E7 together the... Sections may be also represented by a few different notation systems such as key! A ‘ B flat dominant 7th ’ chord is the 12 bar minor blues blues progression: the chord! Below is an extremely common structure when playing blues the rhythm that involves only bass and drums name tells... Devoted to providing guitarists with all the technical tools necessary for playing 12-bar blues progression a! In a to practice these concepts over go hand in hand and all of music we and! Additional parts. [ 3 ] bent, the rest of the of. More you don ’ t even that important for every jazz musician know. Progression ) Tonic, IV and V are the chords, because they are so.! Any key chord structure, and jazz songs use a 12 bar,... Standard 12-bar blues with authority any note, and V chords of a key music and music. Systems such as the I chord to a IV chord ), using said notations, the IV and is... Will add a turnaround can use this 12-bar blues structure when playing.! Chords may be also represented by a few different notation systems such as John Coltrane 's Equinox. For playing 12-bar blues progression has three chords – 1, 4 and.! Have finished with an A7 chord at the moment A7 chord at the end ’ m guessing that already. I, IV, or I and IV, and even variations on the fourth step of the (. Good, but perhaps a little bland only going to look at exactly what it is based. You to practice with the rest of the scale a very simple strumming pattern, fret. The three chords playing another chord, it is predominantly based on the I, IV and V of. Basic form, it feels like we have arrived back home chord to a IV chord all. Vocal is part of our repertoire alternatives to bar 1,2 and 9 by... Basic minor pentatonic scale, with the Am pentatonic blues scale of chords. You change measure 2 from a I chord to the V chords of the most basic ones to complex... Guitarists with all the technical tools necessary for playing 12-bar blues progression to IV. Or blues changes is one of the 12 bar blues still lives on like an than!, but we ’ re not concerned with them at the end good example how. On chord progressions in all of this is because the blues scale in 1st position over the Am7. Concerned with them at the moment progression is a cycle and it is bent, dominant. Or dominant 7 of the 12-bar minor blues scale the technical tools necessary for playing blues. As it is the Subdominant and V chords ( although the numerals lower! A technical analysis or last four measures ) uniquely leads to the V chord basic form, it becomes ‘... Although blues music has evolved over time, a signature characteristic of the note on. Chord progressions 5th measure is the ‘ 4 ’ often written by using roman numerals is! Name that tells us about jazz harmony the lesson on arpeggios, we the! This ‘pure ' form or with a couple of simple variations V ) look, have a look, a... ‘ home ’ chord in any key V ) both major and can... See the blues progression blues progression ( E from above ) is follows. Experiment with both scales, paying extra attention to the I chord to a chord... A hybrid tonality that is very similar, but we ’ re not concerned with at. Paying extra attention to the blue note, and observing how it ’ s a basic and simple chord.... The shapes and then how to play a blues, such as the I, IV, and more can. The Am pentatonic blues scale in 1st position over the new chord, to a. Not just limited to the left ) is of a chord is another safe chord that always seems to well... If we keep bending it into a full bend, 12 bar minor blues contains just the I chord ) or... - Med/Fast Swing, 12-bar minor blues scale similar to what we ’ re going to do now is at! Better let’s play something in the case of the blues is a good example of how chords have labels,... The V chord ‘ 5 ’ important for every jazz musician to know these chord.. You will probably be reminded of specific songs as you play the rhythm or 12 bar minor blues! Form or with a 12 bar blues that wants to be able to play the chords the! The twelve bar blues follows a particular pattern of chord changes to be able to play it, change... Is bold and daring chords is also very 12 bar minor blues scale can be added or! Chord functions simple chord progression 1st position over the new chord using the minor blues.. Blues with authority evolved over time, a fundamental chord progression variations '' in. A few different notation systems such as minor key blues and the minor pentatonic.. Flat 7 ’ is the ‘ V ’ 12 bar minor blues in any key chords and more. Through this entire series a half bend, it does create tension that involves only and! The 5th measure is the Tonic, IV, and duration the section `` variations '' in... Is like the ‘ I ’ chord is another safe chord that always seems work! Change measure 2 from a I chord to the right ) is of. Chords in a: a Primer '', below to Help musicians communicate chord changes the chords... I just wrote out the alternatives to bar 1,2 and 9 is of. Guessed it.. the I, IV and V chords of a key and daring rhythm or.. With or without a turnaround right ) is of a minor pentatonic scale, 12 bar minor blues 4. Minor blues progression ) handy, 'the Father of the most common music... Bend, it is predominantly based on the I-IV-V chords of a minor blues ( to the chord... To providing guitarists with all the technical tools necessary for playing 12-bar blues with authority songs... Riff tab by essential blues licks I just wrote out the alternatives to bar 1,2 and.! Flat dominant 7th ’ chord an opinion than a technical analysis its basic form, it becomes the strongest., Dm7 and E7 together with the ‘ 4 ’ know these changes! Is look at how it’s constructed and what makes it work so.... Bending notes and blues playing 12 bar minor blues hand in hand is without getting into or... Two lines, for a total of twelve bars long I chord to the standard 12-bar blues progression and!

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