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# – B – B – F# – F# – C# – B – 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 (F#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – BMaj7 – BMaj7 – F#Maj7 – F#Maj7 – C#7 – BMaj7 – F#Maj7 – C#7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

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

Chords (7th): F#Maj7, BMaj7, C#7.

Famous songs using this progression

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