G# 12 Bar Blues

I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V progression in G# major

G♯ major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IG#
IG#
IG#
IG#
IVC#
IVC#
IG#
IG#
VD#
IVC#
IG#
VD#

12-Bar Structure

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

Triad Diagrams — G# 12 Bar Blues (Guitar)

G# 12 Bar BluesI – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V

The G# 12 Bar Blues progression (G# – G# – G# – G# – C# – C# – G# – G# – D# – C# – G# – D#) 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 (G#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – C#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – D#7 – C#Maj7 – G#Maj7 – D#7), it delivers the authentic blues sound.

BluesGrit & Soul4/4 · 12 bars

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

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

Famous songs using this progression

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