The 12 Bar Blues Progression
A 12 Bar Blues is a progression which repeats every 12 bars. You should become familiar with this pattern of chords by playing it through many times.
12 Bar in A
12 Bar Blues Riff Number 1
Lead guitarists often use a technique of playing "riffs" against the 12 Bar Blues. A riff is a pattern of notes that is repeated throughout a progression or song. The following example (riff number 1) is played against the 12 Bar Blues in the key of A major.
For each note of the A chord, this riff starts at the 5th fret of the 6th string. Play this riff slowly and smoothly using a downward motion of the pick, indicated thus: a .
When the progression changes to a D chord (bar 5), the riff moves across to the 5th string, starting on the D note (5th fret).
You will notice that the fingering is still the same and that the basic "shape" of the riff has not altered.
For the E chord (bar 9), the riff shape begins on the 5th string at the 7th fret.
Here is the complete 12 bar in A.
You have probably heard this type of sound before. Play some recordings (1950’s Rock and Roll or Blues songs would be best) and listen for this style of riff playing either by the lead or bass guitarists. Try to make some variations for yourself. Remember that in many old "Rock & Roll" songs the riff shape is established in the first bar and maintained throughout the song.
