The 12-bar blues is the architectural blueprint of blues, early rock-and-roll, and R&B, built almost entirely on the I, IV, and V of one key across a repeating three-line form. Its signature tension comes from the V–IV turnaround in the final bars, which yanks the harmony back to the top of the loop. Voicing every chord as a dominant seventh gives the whole form a gritty, unresolved edge that rewards improvisation.
What is the I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - V chord progression?
The I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - V progression, also known as the "12-Bar Blues," is a blues chord progression in E major. It uses the chords E, E, E, E, A, A, E, E, B7, A, E, B7 and is rated beginner difficulty.
What chords are in the 12-Bar Blues?
The 12-Bar Blues in E major consists of the chords E → E → E → E → A → A → E → E → B7 → A → E → B7. The Roman numeral analysis is I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - V.
What songs use the I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - V progression?
The I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - V progression is used in "Sweet Home Chicago" by Robert Johnson, "Hoochie Coochie Man" by Muddy Waters, "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King, "Pride and Joy" by Stevie Ray Vaughan, "Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson.
What genre is the 12-Bar Blues used in?
The 12-Bar Blues is primarily a blues progression. It is rated beginner difficulty and is suitable for players just starting out.
How do I play the 12-Bar Blues on guitar?
To play the 12-Bar Blues on guitar, use the chord shapes for E, E, E, E, A, A, E, E, B7, A, E, B7 and strum each chord for one measure (4 beats). Practice switching between chords slowly at first, then gradually increase your tempo.