There used to be an adage that learning the blues provided a strong background for playing rock music. Much of today’s rock music isn't based on the blues, so this theory may not be entirely accurate anymore. But one thing still holds true: Learning the blues is a great way to learn how to play the guitar.
Why would the blues be a strong building block? How does it help you to learn to play the guitar? One reason is that there are clear structures, manageable scales, and fun licks that you can grab ahold of and run with right from the start. One of these structures is known as the 12 Bar Blues. Another reason is that there are many classic songs that use the 12 Bar form as their template. One is Johnny B. Goode, by Chuck Berry. Another is Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. When you memorize the basic 12 Bar form (there are numerous variations), mastering these songs is much easier. Take a look at the chart below to get started. The video above ties it all together.
So, what is a twelve-bar blues? In its most basic form, it’s a chord progression that lasts twelve bars, with three four bar lines. The chords are all dominant 7ths, and they are the I, IV and V of the key. That would be A7, D7 and E7 in the key of A.* When you add a shuffle rhythm, there is no argument – this is the most common blues form. Below is a video on the shuffle. Use all downstrokes, as in the freehand scrawl in the chart above.
It’s incredibly useful to memorize the progression. The blues and rock and roll are somewhat improvisational in nature. To improvise, you can’t be sight-reading. They’re more or less opposites. To memorize the twelve-bar blues, it’s helpful to break it down. Think of the twelve-bar as a song with three lines of four measures. The first line is mainly A7. The lyrics of the first line are usually repeated in the second line, which emphasizes D7. The third line has the most chord activity and emphasizes E7. This is where the “hook phrase” will go. In our lesson, line one has what is known as the “Quick IV.” This a D7 chord that’s moved to in the second bar. It’s just as common to have four bars of A7 in line one, but it’s a little harder to count.
I recommend that you employ the chord fingerings as indicated. This facilitates an easy shift between all the chords, especially A7 to D7 and back. Take a look at the video below. Try to smoothly transition from one chord to the next. I only play one repetition of the progression at any one time, but I recommend playing it over and over without stopping, at least once each practice session.
Download Left Hand Fingering Closeup
You can use a straight 4/4 rhythm with all downstrokes, one to each quarter note, if you are just starting out. When you get that together, try the shuffle rhythm. It’s a 4/4 rhythm pattern where each quarter note is divided into a triplet. This equals 12/8. The middle note of the triplet is more often not played, so it becomes long – short – long – short – long – short – long – short and so on. This can also be thought of as one & two & three & four &. Most importantly, use your ears. Also, you should listen to some classic blues songs to get a feel for the shuffle. You probably are already doing this or you wouldn't be here reading this article. But some of my favorites include "Baby What You Want Me To Do," by Jimmy Reed, "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James, and "The Things I Used To Do" by Guitar Slim.
When I was just starting out, I made a lot of progress by taping myself playing this basic structure, and then jamming to it with the blues scale in A. The wonderful thing is that it fits so well, and right off, you're making music! You almost can’t go wrong. It’s a joy to behold. -Christian Botta
*Ah ha! The Blues can also teach you music theory! Nice, huh?