E 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IE
IE
IE
IE
IVA
IVA
IE
IE
VB
IVA
IE
VB

12-Bar Structure

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

Triad Diagrams — E 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

E 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The E 12 Bar Blues progression (E – E – E – E – A – A – E – E – B – A – E – B) 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 (EMaj7 – EMaj7 – EMaj7 – EMaj7 – AMaj7 – AMaj7 – EMaj7 – EMaj7 – B7 – AMaj7 – EMaj7 – B7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): E, A, B.

Chords (7th): EMaj7, AMaj7, B7.

Famous songs using this progression

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