Blues School: Major Blues 12-Bar Form & Harmony, First Lesson

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Welcome to the first and most important lesson in Major Blues 12-Bar Form & Harmony

Within each 12-bar chorus, there are three 4-bar sub-phrases…

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Phrase #1 presents the main rhythmic/melodic theme and establishes a clear sense of tonic harmony (I)…


Phrase #2 is typically a variation of or complement to the main theme played over a temporary IV harmony, with a return back to the tonic I.


Phrase #3 typically complements or answers the first two phrases and leads the listener back to the top of the next chorus. It is played over a temporary V harmony with a return to the tonic I.


Now let’s put all three phrases together…

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The deep appreciation of this three-phase structure is absolutely essential to playing major 12-bar blues in authentic style. Think of 12-bar blues form as a three-line poem and you are off to a great start!



learn more… Major Blues 12-Bar Form & Harmony, Variation #1