The 12-Bar Blues is a format that many popular artists have used to write hit songs- Jimi Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles, to name a few. It's important to learn this structure if you have any desire at all to play rock n' roll, or lead guitar.

A 12-bar Blues chord progression is comprised of 12 measures. The cool thing is that the chord sequence is virtually always the same, with only a few minor variations occasionally. This makes it fairly easy to learn for most people. The simple structure also provides a great format for learning and practicing chords, licks, and riffs in various keys.

The term "12-Bar" refers to the number of measures in a particular song or chord sequence. In music, a measure (or bar) is the space between two vertical (bar) lines on a staff. Note values (beats) are measured to create a specific rhythm which is then indicated by a Time Signature such as 4/4 or 3/4, etc.

In the example above, notice that you strum E for the first four measures, then A for two measures and then back to E for two measures. Next you play one measure each of B7, A, E and B7. The total chord sequence adds up to 12 bars, or measures.

Return to the beginning to play the chord progression again. When you are ready to stop, just strum E after the 12th measure and count to four. Remember that the arrows indicating the strum pattern are pointing in the direction of the strings. In other words, an up arrow means you are actually strumming down toward the first string.

1. Play through the example given above in the key of E until you can maintain a steady rhythm all the way through. Concentrate on chord transitions, trying not to miss a beat.

2. After you are comfortable with this chord progression, transpose it by using the I, IV, V chords in the key of A. Now practice it again. Continue this proceedure until you are able to play the blues progression in all of the 5 keys shown below:

3. Use the Root of the chord (name of chord) as your bass note. For example, if the I chord is E you would play the open E string as your bass note before strumming the chord. When you move to the next chord, which is A you would play the open A string as your bass note. Do this with each chord in the progression.