F 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in F major

F major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IF
IF
IF
IF
IVB♭
IVB♭
IF
IF
VC
IVB♭
IF
VC

12-Bar Structure

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

Triad Diagrams — F 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

F 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The F 12 Bar Blues progression (F – F – F – F – Bb – Bb – F – F – C – Bb – F – C) 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 (FMaj7 – FMaj7 – FMaj7 – FMaj7 – BbMaj7 – BbMaj7 – FMaj7 – FMaj7 – C7 – BbMaj7 – FMaj7 – C7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

Chords (triads): F, Bb, C.

Chords (7th): FMaj7, BbMaj7, C7.

Famous songs using this progression

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