Guitar progression
12-Bar Blues
I⁷ – IV⁷ – V⁷ in E (one full chorus)
1
I7
2
I7
3
I7
4
I7
5
IV7
6
IV7
7
I7
8
I7
9
V7
10
IV7
11
I7
12
V7
About this progression
The 12-bar form is the bedrock of the blues — and of rock, R&B and most of jazz. Once you internalise the shape, you can jam with anyone, anywhere, in any key.
Practice tip — Shuffle feel: dum-da-dum-da, swung. Use just your index and pinky on the low strings — that's the classic Chuck Berry move.
Chord shapes
Every unique chord this progression uses. Take your time with each one before stringing them together.
Songs you already know with this progression
- Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
- Johnny B. Goode — Chuck Berry
- Pride and Joy — Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Sweet Home Chicago — Robert Johnson