C 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in C major

C major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkulele
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IC
IC
IC
IC
IVF
IVF
IC
IC
VG
IVF
IC
VG

12-Bar Structure

Bar 1C
Bar 2C
Bar 3C
Bar 4C
Bar 5F
Bar 6F
Bar 7C
Bar 8C
Bar 9G
Bar 10F
Bar 11C
Bar 12G

Triad Diagrams — C 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

C 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The C 12 Bar Blues progression (C – C – C – C – F – F – C – C – G – F – C – G) 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 (CMaj7 – CMaj7 – CMaj7 – CMaj7 – FMaj7 – FMaj7 – CMaj7 – CMaj7 – G7 – FMaj7 – CMaj7 – G7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): C, F, G.

Chords (7th): CMaj7, FMaj7, G7.

Famous songs using this progression

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