12 Bar Blues Revisited, pt. IV – Playing in Different Keys

In last month’s post I discussed harmonizing major scales and where the I, IV and V chords are located in each key. This month we’ll continue the discussion and begin to have students apply their new found knowledge.

I have outlined a basic 12 bar blues using I, IV and V and chords. Using this formula students can then “plug-in” the chords from the corresponding key they wish to practice - I have given an example in the key of G.

In order to increase a student’s chord vocabulary they should practice all the open chords (I, IV, V’s) they know in each key and apply them to the 12 bar blues formula. This way students are developing their ear to hear the I, IV, V progression, expanding their knowledge of chords and cementing the 12 bar blues pattern in their mind.