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THE 12-BAR-BLUES
Author: Dirk Hagemann (dirk@blueslessons.net)

The normal "12-bar-Blues" usually consists of 3 chords. Usualy named as "I-IV-V"-chords,

alternatively as Tonic - Subdominat -Dominant. The I-Chord is the basic keynote of the Song,
from which the two different can be derived.

Here we have the scale (without half steps): C D E F G A B C

With a Blues in C the I-chord is the C chord and so the IV-chord is an F and the V-chord a G-
chord.

To test this simply count: I II III IV V

C D E F G

The principle can be found in every typical Bluessong, you just have to count the chords, if
you have the keynote, that means the I-chord . The simplest and ideal kind to find the suitable
chords is to use the "Circle of Fifth". With the following graphic you need to take only one
look at the circle, your I-chord is always the basic keytone and stands above. From there, you
turn your circle. Some things are really simpler than you thought, or?!

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LET´S START WITH SOME PRACTICE!

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Dirk Hagemann (dirk@blueslessons.net)
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Our 12-Bar-Blues follows this pattern: E (4 bars) A (2 bars) E (2 bars) B (2 bars) E (2 bars)

NOW PLAY A COMPLETELY SIMPLE 12-BAR BLUES IN E

For correct practicing you can also use the GuitarPro file, with which you can practice, until
you can play it easily and fluid! (12-Bar-Blues in different keys.gp3)

If it sounds too boring, you can easily add some 7th chords (e.g. E7, A7...). See Lesson 2!

EXERCISE:

Find the I. IV. and V. chords of the following frequently used keytones for 12-Bar-Blues
through counting

1. A
2. D
3. G

SOLUTION:

1 I. = A IV. = D V. = E
2. I. = D IV. = G V. = A
3. I. = G IV. = C V. = D
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Copyright of all lessons (if not mentioned otherwise):
Dirk Hagemann (dirk@blueslessons.net)
Every distribution (digital or print) requieres a written permission!
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SONGS BASED ON I-IV-V PATTERNS:

• Crossroads
• Good morning little schoolgirl
• Malted Milk
• Pretty Woman
• Pride and Joy
• Statesboro Blues

PRACTICE THE STANDARD 12-BAR-BLUES (KEY E)

Bar 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Chord E E E E A A E E B A E E

VARIATION (like played in Crossroads Blues)

Bar 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Chord E A E E A A A E B B A E

You can find the GuitarPro & midi files for this lesson on www.blueslessons.net

www.blueslessons.net
Copyright of all lessons (if not mentioned otherwise):
Dirk Hagemann (dirk@blueslessons.net)
Every distribution (digital or print) requieres a written permission!