Different Types of 12-Bar Progressions
The 12-bar is the backbone of all blues jams - and further beyond into other styles of music.
It’s an instantly recognisable format that anyone who is familiar with it can just turn up and drop into - with almost no explanation needed.
Caveat - (there’s always a caveat) - not all 12-bars are equal. Think of it more as a frmaework.
There are a few different versions of 12-bar - standard, quick change, minor blues and jazz blues. Of course, these are all open to interpretation but these four will give you a solid foundation.
It is also worth knowing that some progressions are described by jammers as a ‘simple 12-bar’ but are not actually 12 bars at all - but we will explore them next time…
The Standard 12-Bar
The standard 12-bar has only 3 chords and they are known as 1, 4 and 5 - written as roman numerals in charts. These numbers are in reference to the key in which the song is being played, ie the 1st, 4th and 5th chord of the key.
If one sequence from this article sticks with you, make sure it is this one. Practice it in as many keys as possible - C to start as it is easy, then A, G, E as they are the most common. Listen in popular music for these types of changes (Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll is most common) and listen in the jams you attend.
Get to know the changes so well that you know them instinctively and you can’t go wrong.
The Blues Jam Handbook
Standard 12-Bar
Notes:
1) Bar 10 can be a IV chord and bar 12 can be a V chord.
2) Bars 11 and 12 are know as a turnaround, but 9-12 can also be considered as a turnaround.
The Quick Change
It is common, particularly in a slow blues, to have a ‘quick change’ in the first four bars. This is designed to break up the monotony of the I chord at slow tempos. Usually we will go to a IV chord on a ‘quick change’. Try this one below in multiple keys. Tip - write it out in multiple keys.
The Blues Jam Handbook
12-Bar Quick Change
The Minor Blues
Not all blues is played using Major/Dominant chords (A7, D7, E7 etc). The ‘Minor Blues’ has a different feel altogether.
You can have a straight substitution in form - for example I, IV, V would be Im, IVm, Vm - or you can add in some extra chords for colour. Try the basics first and then try the substitutions such as a bVI7 chord and a V7.
Confusing? I’ll demonstrate in the key of Am for you.
The Blues Jam Handbook
Minor Blues
Jazz Blues
If you want to get a little fancy and explore some extra changes, try spicing it up with a ‘Jazz Blues’ style. It’s not about being tricky just for the sake of it, the extra chords add movement and momentum to the sequence.
Let’s start by throwing in some more substitutions to add a bit more harmony into our blues - I suggest you look into what’s known as a 2, 5, 1 progression, to get some extra musical vocabulary under your belt.
Try this progression - this time in the key of C. I’ve added some other substitutions underneath if you want to try them out.
The Blues Jam Handbook
Jazz Blues
JW Pro Tip
Try mixing these progressions up and seeing how they sound. Change keys. Speed it up, slow it down. Change grooves and styles. Outline the changes with your solo playing. All this will help you deeply understand the 12-bar so you will be ready for anything!
Singers - it is important to understand these progressions so you can communicate effectively with your band.
