Learn the 12 bar blues progression on piano.

Learning the 12 bar blues progression is basic to understanding the roots of American popular music.

When you see a group of musicians getting together to play everyone seems to know what to do almost magically.

This is because at one time or another they learned the 12 bar blues progression.

While there are lots of variations of this timeless progression the most common is a three chord 12 measure version explained in this lesson.

Please take a minute now to sign up for your free periodic E-Zine at the top of the page right. You will receive regular updates, tricks, and helpful hints on a regular basis. You will be glad you did!!

Basic Structure

The term "12 bars" does not refer to the numbers of taverns you need to visit before you get the "blues".

It is actually the amount of measures that are played before the chord progression is repeated.

So for the sake or our discussion a "bar" and a "measure" are the same musical term. Since most blues songs are in 4/4 time each bar or measure will receive 4 "counts" or "beats" or foot taps for that matter.

The term "chord progression" refers to the way the chords move or "progress" from one to another.

The Chords...

The basic 12 bar blues progression can be played in any key and will use the I, IV, and V chords from that key.

In the key of C the chords would be C major F major and G major. For a review of the roman numerals system see the lesson on diatonic chords.

What makes the chords "bluesy" is the use of 7th chords rather than the basic triads. In a 7th chords the flatted 7th note of the scale is added to the chord.

So we now have C7, F7 and G7. See the lesson on chord formulas.

The chords and measures are played in this repeating pattern.

In the example below you will see that the second measure can be the IV7 chord as a substitute. This is sometimes called a "quick four" as the IV chord is only played one quick measure in the beginning.

The diagram below is another way of notating the 12 bar blues piano progression using the roman numeral method of notation. Remember the formula stays the same for any key! Just plug in the I, IV, and V chords from that key.

Notice the "spiced up" turn around in the last two "measures" or "bars".

If you would like to see and hear an example of the 12 bar blues progression, be sure to check out the short video clip below and also register for the lessons alerts at the top right of the page! Contact me!

So your finally jammin' with the boys in the band!

You are on your 4th chorus of the 12 bar blues progression when someone points at you and says take a solo.... To find out what to do click on the link below to begin the lesson on the blues scale.

The Best Home Study Course for Learning Jazz and Blues Piano

Have you always wanted to learn to play jazz & blues on the piano but never had the time or money?

Or couldn't find the right person or course to teach you the "real" stuff?

If so, I've definitely found someone who can help you.

I'm talking about James Wrubel, an amazing musician and expert instructor. He's been there and back as a professional jazz musician and has played with some of the top names in the industry.

In two dvds and over 2 hours of step-by-step instruction, he takes you by the hand and shows you how to master tons of jazz & blues tricks and techniques as well as signature soloing secrets that'll have you sounding like you've been playing for years.

Here's some highlights.

Discover: * How to quickly and easily form tons of chord patterns and runs that'll have you sounding pro almost overnight.

* How to accelerate your jazz learning curve by combining 3 secret elements pros don't want you to know!

* How to pack every chord and voicing with just the right amount of flavor to get the job done.

* 7 secrets to playing signature solos without hesitation or even thinking about anything.

* And much more.

Check out the ink below for more information on this great program

Hear and play Jazz 101

Contact me

If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for future lessons feel free to Contact Me.

click here for the lesson on the blues scale.
from Blues Progression to - Blues Piano
from Blues Progressions to - Free Piano Lessons HOME