12-Bar Blues Form & Structure
Welcome to this introduction lesson to the 12 bar blues. If you are new to the blues this lesson will teach you the basic harmonic framework of the 12 bar blues and the core chord changes which are the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord.
12 Bar Blues – Triads & 7th Chords
We first voice the chords first using basic triads and then we extend the triads up to the 7th degree to create seventh chords. It’s important to notice that when playing the 12 bar blues, all 3 chords are voiced as dominant chords: F7 the I chord, Bb7 the IV chord, and C7 the V chord:
When playing blues, jazz, and other types of improvised music, 7th chords are required to create smooth voice leading in the harmony.
7th Chord Inversions
Once that you are comfortable with the root position 7th chords we can invert them which creates smooth voice leading possibilities between the I, IV, and V chords in the blues.
Using 7th chord inversions allows us to transition between the chords with minimal hand movement which results in more control and a more balanced sound when playing through the basic harmony of the 12 bar blues.
Isolate The 3rds & 7ths
Finally we play through the form using just the 3rds and 7ths of each chord which are the most important tones from a harmonic standpoint. Isolating the 3rds and 7ths is an important drill to clearly visualise the voice leading between the chords of the blues.
Once this step has been mastered we can introduce more interesting tones such as the chord extensions and chord alterations that we cover in the upcoming lessons.
Lesson Downloads
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12 Bar Form & 7th Chords File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
We create a slow 12 bar blues progression in the key of F and explore ways to ornament and reharmonise the basic 12 bar blues chord changes.
In this lesson we explore gospel walk-ups and walk-downs and how to add chromatic passing chords to our chord progressions.
We explore the basic 145 gospel blues progression using a blues shuffle feel. If you are new to gospel piano, this lesson is for you!
Practice Tips
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Learn the core chords of the 12 bar blues which are the I, IV, and V chords, and memorise where they appear in the form.
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First play through with triads, and then extend the triads into 7th chords by adding the 7th note of the scale.
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The next step is to invert the 7th chords to create smooth voice leading between the chords in the blues.
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Practice the transition from the I to the IV chord, and once comfortable with this add the final line of the 12 bar blues.
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Isolate the 3rds and 7ths in the right hand which are the most important components of the harmony and create smooth voice leading between the I, IV, & V chords.
