Sessio n 6: Mastering the Blues

Blues Chord Form Variations

Blues songs vary in style but they also vary in the types of chords used. Not all blues use only dominant 7th,
9th, or 13th chords. A good example of this is the jam along song “Jazz Blues” as shown in the session.

Lead to Chords by Using Their V

A common chord option is to precede a chord by its V chord.
For example, if you are in the key of F and you want to go to a Bb
chord, you play the V of Bb which would be an F7.

This technique works equally well with minor chords. So, if you
want to lead to a Gm, use the V of Gm, which is a D7.

In the jam along song “Jazz Blues” shown below you see a chord lead into by its V demonstrated in the 8th-
9th measure with the D7 leading to the Gm. The leading chords do not need to be in the key of the song.
But they must be the V in the key of the chord they are leading to.

Lead to Chords by Using Their ii-V

You can also lead to chords by adding a ii minor chord in front of the V leading chord. Add the ii minor chord
in front of the V for an even stronger leading to the targeted chord.

For example, if the target chord is Bb, use a Cm (the ii minor of Bb) and an F7 (the V of Bb) to lead in to it.

In the song “Jazz Blues” in the 4th measure, you see a Cm7 (ii in Bb) and F7 (V7 in Bb) leading to the Bb9 in
the 5th measure.

Jazz Blues Example

Playing Tip

You can lead into any chord

by using the V chord (the

dominant 7th) in the key of

the chord you are going to.

Blues Guitar with Steve Krenz 70 http://www.learnandmaster.com/bluesresources