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 (D#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – A#7 – G#Maj7 – D#Maj7 – A#7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): D#, G#, A#.

Chords (7th): D#Maj7, G#Maj7, A#7.

Famous songs using this progression

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