Blues rhythms - The I-IV-V 12-bar blues
Understanding the chords within the rhythmic structure of a jam is crucial - it’s the chords you
will be soloing over. You need to know and understand the various chord structures and
pattern variations so you can readily adapt your solo skills to play over the chords.
There are many types of blues rhythms but the most common is the I-IV-V 12-bar blues. If you
are not familiar with the numbering system of the chords then please check out the lesson on
chord construction on pages 95- 96. Often these blues progressions will contain dominant
chords such as 7th or 9th chords.
The “12-bar” means that the song or jam is divided into 12 parts or bars. You just keep
repeating that same 12-bar pattern over and over for the length of the song. Other common
blues progressions include the 8-bar, 16-bar, and 24-bar blues.
The traditional 12-bar blues has a total of 12 bars or measures of the I-IV-V chords that keep
repeating in 12-bar blocks over and over. Two of the most common 12 bar patterns are the
slow change and the fast change. You will need to be VERY familiar with both.
The only difference between them is the 2nd bar. The slow change stays on the I chord for 4
bars while the fast change goes from one bar on the I chord to one bar on the IV chord then
back to the I chord for two bars (see diagram below).
12 Bar Slow Change:
Measure: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Chord: I I I I IV IV I I V IV I V
12 Bar Fast Change:
Measure: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Chord: I IV I I IV IV I I V IV I V
The fast change is often used for slower tempo blues. With a little practice you will soon know
the patterns by heart and be able to whip them out instantly, they will become automatic.
These 12 bar patterns are the rhythmic standards of the blues and soon they will be instantly
recognizable to you. Ever wonder why any group of blues musicians can just sit down together
and instantly play with a vibe? It’s because these standard progressions are so common in
blues music. Everyone knows them, and they are ingrained in the musicians’ musical
vocabulary.
Feel the changes and how long you are on each chord. It won’t take long before you get the
hang of these standard blues progressions. Then you can go about making strong solo
statements by outlining the chord changes with your lead lines and landing on strong chord
tones. To dial in your rhythm chops as well as to develop your ear play these rhythms to jam
tracks – use the ones included in these materials.
Keep in mind that your rhythm playing is absolutely critical, so do not neglect it. I see that
mistake made by guitar players over and over again. They focus too much on lead playing and
not enough on rhythm playing. Keep things balanced and remember in most band situations
that you will be playing rhythm guitar way more than you will be playing solo guitar. Your lead
playing is really only ever as good as your rhythm playing.