A 12 Bar Blues
I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in A major
A 12 Bar Blues — I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V
The A 12 Bar Blues progression (A – A – A – A – D – D – A – A – E – D – A – E) is the universal foundation of the blues. Using only three chords over twelve bars, it has generated more classic songs than any other form. With dominant sevenths (AMaj7 – AMaj7 – AMaj7 – AMaj7 – DMaj7 – DMaj7 – AMaj7 – AMaj7 – E7 – DMaj7 – AMaj7 – E7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.