D 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in D major

D major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
ID
ID
ID
ID
IVG
IVG
ID
ID
VA
IVG
ID
VA

12-Bar Structure

Bar 1D
Bar 2D
Bar 3D
Bar 4D
Bar 5G
Bar 6G
Bar 7D
Bar 8D
Bar 9A
Bar 10G
Bar 11D
Bar 12A

Triad Diagrams — D 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

D 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The D 12 Bar Blues progression (D – D – D – D – G – G – D – D – A – G – D – A) 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 (DMaj7 – DMaj7 – DMaj7 – DMaj7 – GMaj7 – GMaj7 – DMaj7 – DMaj7 – A7 – GMaj7 – DMaj7 – A7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): D, G, A.

Chords (7th): DMaj7, GMaj7, A7.

Famous songs using this progression

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