Blues progressions over music backing tracks
This is the first lesson in a series covering blues chord progressions in the blues style.
In these backing tracks, the guitar parts are removed so you can practice with the enjoyment of an authentic musical experience.
To see instructions for the changes in the chord progressions click at the "Start music / chord changes"-button and you will start the backing track plus the real-time chord changes which can be seen in the empty field.
Blues chord progressions – lesson 1
The 12 bar is the most common structure in blues. Of many possible variations, the one presented here is the most fundamental and therefore a great place to start. In this case, it will be played in the key of E major, which is one of the most frequent keys used in blues. Notice that B7 is played in the last bar in the first ending (as a turnaround) whereas in the last ending E7 is used as the final chord. Scroll down for chord diagrams.
Progression:
E7 | E7 | E7 | E7
A7 | A7 | E7 | E7
B7 | A7 | E7 | B7
1st bar | 2nd bar | 3rd bar | 4th bar
5th bar | 6th bar |
7th bar | 8th bar
9th bar | 10th bar | 11th bar | 12th bar
Start the practice by clicking the button below (this will start the backing track and show chord changes).
Repeats: 2 times
BPM: 80
Time signature: 4/4
Click the buttons to play or pause the audio.
Chord diagrams
These are the most standard chord fingering choices for a 12 bar blues in E major (the E7 alternative 022130 fingerings is just as common).
E7
A7
B7
Alternative chords diagrams
This alternative chord include two 7th intervals, which can make it sound even "bluesier".
A7
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