The Blues: 12 Bar Blues Chord Structure

IV

IV

10

11

D
B
G
G (I)

G
E
C

12

IV

C (IV)

A
F#
D
Rhythms for playing:
A: Play the chord on the beat, every beat, e.g.

B: Play the chord twice, the 2nd slightly after the beat, e.g.
C: Play the chord in a dotted rhythm, e.g.

D (V)
Hints:
To start, use the single-finger chord
function if you are finding triads hard
Keep a steady pulse by counting 1, 2, 3, 4
for each bar, and playing your chords
accordingly.

The Blues: Bass Riffs

Chord Structure:
1

2
G
I

C
IV
D
V

Hints and Tips:

3

G
I
6

10

C
IV
C
IV

G
I
7

11

Keep the bass line at a low pitch on the keyboard

G
I
G
I

G
I
8

12

Keep in time with the chords by counting 1,2,3,4 for each bar and
checking your chord changes

G
I
Melodic Riff
G
I

12 Bar Blues Composition: Lyrics

Title:
Verse 1:

12 Bar Blues Composition: Structure

Musical parts to use
Bass line
Chords
Melody riffs
Vocal line

A
A

G Blues scale for Improvisation:

Verse 2
A
A
B

Verse 3
A
A
B

Plan of Composition

Structural Elements to use

Introduction
Verses 1-4
Solo/Improvisation over 12
bar chord structure
Outro/Ending