B 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in B major

B major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IB
IB
IB
IB
IVE
IVE
IB
IB
VF#
IVE
IB
VF#

12-Bar Structure

Bar 1B
Bar 2B
Bar 3B
Bar 4B
Bar 5E
Bar 6E
Bar 7B
Bar 8B
Bar 9F#
Bar 10E
Bar 11B
Bar 12F#

Triad Diagrams — B 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

B 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The B 12 Bar Blues progression (B – B – B – B – E – E – B – B – F# – E – B – F#) 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 (BMaj7 – BMaj7 – BMaj7 – BMaj7 – EMaj7 – EMaj7 – BMaj7 – BMaj7 – F#7 – EMaj7 – BMaj7 – F#7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): B, E, F#.

Chords (7th): BMaj7, EMaj7, F#7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
  • The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
  • Pride and Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan