The 12-bar blues form
Three lines of four bars. Learn it as three lines, not twelve bars.
The 12-bar is three lines of four bars. Learn it as three lines, not twelve bars.
| Line | Bar 1 | Bar 2 | Bar 3 | Bar 4 | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A7 (I) | A7 (or D7 “quick change”) | A7 | A7 | Statement |
| 2 | D7 (IV) | D7 | A7 | A7 | Statement again, over the IV |
| 3 | E7 (V) | D7 (IV) | A7 | E7 (turnaround) | Answer, then set up the top |
Things to drill until they are automatic
- Count bars out loud while playing the shuffle rhythm. Say the chord name on beat 1 of each bar.
- Quick change: bar 2 goes to D7 in most blues. Listen for it on the backing track.
- Turnaround: bars 11 and 12 lead back to the top. Bar 12 is E7 in most versions. A turnaround lick there tells the band a new chorus is coming.
- AAB phrasing: a vocal blues sings line 1, repeats it over line 2, answers it in line 3. Solo the same way.
- Minor blues (Am, Dm, Em) is a different animal. Leave it for week 8.