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
GuitarUkuleleBass
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 (C#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – G#7 – F#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – G#7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): C#, F#, G#.

Chords (7th): C#Maj7, F#Maj7, G#7.

Famous songs using this progression

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