Blues You Can Use!

It's important to learn this structure if you have any desire at all to play rock n' roll, or lead guitar.

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.

Basic 12 Bar Blues Format:

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.

Play through the exercise till you reach the repeat sign at the end, then return to the beginning and play the chord progression again. Continue repeating the exercise as many times as you need to. When you are ready to stop, just strum an E chord after the 12th measure and count to four.

Strum Pattern: down down down up

Strum Down 3 times counting the beats 1, 2, 3

Strum Up on the 4 beat

Tip - The arrows above indicate the direction of a strum as it would appear on paper. Whenever you see an up arrow it means you will actually be strumming in a downward motion toward the first (high E) string. If you listen carefully you will notice that the sound goes up (gets higher) as you strum down across the strings. Likewise, if you strum in an upward manner, the sound will get lower.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:

To get familiar with playing a basic Blues Rhythm pattern.

PRACTICE:

1. Play this I IV V format 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 playing the 12 Bar Blues Progression in the Key of E, try it in a different Key by transposing the chords as shown below:<

I IV V

E A B7 = Chords in Key of E
A D E7 = Chords in Key of A
D G A7 = Chords in Key of D
G C D7 = Chords in Key of G
C F G7 = Chords in Key of C

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.

LEARN MORE:

Get a complete tutorial on how to play E Blues here...