12 Bar Blues Variation 1 (Explanation)
Basic Chords & 12 Bar Blues
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9m 20s
The 12-bar blues in E is a classic blues chord progression that follows a specific 12-measure structure. Using only the 2nd fret and strings 6 (E), 5 (A), and 4 (D), you can create a simple shuffle-style rhythm. Here’s the basic format:
Chord Structure (E5 - A5 - B5)
E5 Chord (Measures 1-4)
Open 6th string (E)
5th string (A) fretted at 2nd fret
A5 Chord (Measures 5-6)
Open 5th string (A)
4th string (D) fretted at 2nd fret
(Optional) Alternate between the 2nd and 4th fret on the D string.
E5 Chord (Measures 7-8)
Repeat E5 pattern from before.
B5 Chord (Measure 9)
5th string (A) fretted at 2nd fret
4th string (D) fretted at 4th fret
(Optional) Add a 2nd-4th fret shuffle on the D string.
A5 Chord (Measure 10)
Repeat A5 pattern.
E5 Chord (Measure 11)
Repeat E5 pattern.
B5 Chord (Measure 12 - Turnaround)
Same as measure 9, then resolve back to E5.
This pattern loops continuously and is a foundation for countless blues riffs and improvisation. Want a tab breakdown?
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