Variation Of The Basic Blues Chord Progression For Guitar
Basic Blues Progression
The basic 12-bar blues progression in the key of B♭7 (B♭ dominant 7) follows a specific pattern of chords that is fundamental to many blues songs.
Here’s a detailed explanation:
Chords Used in B♭7 Blues Progression:
The three basic chords used are :
- B♭7 (I7)
- E♭7 (IV7)
- F7 (V7)
Structure of the 12-Bar Blues Progression in B♭7:
The first four measures are played using the B♭7 chord.
| B♭7 | B♭7 | B♭7 | B♭7 |
Measures five and six are played using the E♭7 chord.
| E♭7 | E♭7 |
Measures seven and eight return to the B♭7 chord.
| B♭7 | B♭7 |
The ninth measure uses the F7 chord.
| F7 |
The tenth measure uses the E♭7 chord.
| E♭7 |
The eleventh measure returns to the B♭7 chord.
| B♭7 |
The twelfth measure often uses the F7 chord to create a turnaround leading back to the start.
| F7 |
Giving the full 12-bar blues progression in B♭7:
| B♭7 | B♭7 | B♭7 | B♭7 |
| E♭7 | E♭7 | B♭7 | B♭7 |
| F7 | E♭7 | B♭7 | F7 |