Open Turnaround Chord progressions Major & minor keys Get in touch Chord progressions 12-Bar Blues I7–IV7–V7 over twelve bars
The 12-bar blues is three chords — I, IV and V, all dominant sevenths — laid over a fixed twelve-bar cycle. The form is the thing being learned, not the chords: four bars of I, two of IV, two of I, then the turnaround through V and IV back home. The variations below retain twelve bars while changing the harmony within the form.
The chords, in every key Every progression below moves together, so the comparison stays honest.
What actually differs The quick change moves bar 2 from I7 to IV7, which announces the subdominant early and stops the first four bars sitting still — it is the single most common alteration to the form and the one that separates a jump blues from a slow one. The minor blues swaps the tonic and subdominant to minor sevenths but leaves the V7 dominant, which is why it still resolves like a blues rather than drifting modal; that lone major third in the V is doing all the work. Scale-wise the dominant and quick-change forms behave identically — Mixolydian per chord, or a tonic minor pentatonic across the whole twelve — while the minor blues takes Aeolian per chord and keeps Phrygian dominant over the V. Jazz Blues adds a diminished passing chord and two-chord measures in bars 4, 8, 11 and 12; each split chord lasts two beats.
All 4 in this family 12-Bar Blues (dominant) I7 – I7 – I7 – I7 – IV7 – IV7 – I7 – I7 – V7 – IV7 – I7 – V7
Blues major 12 bars
The 12-bar form with all-dominant chords. The DNA of blues, R&B and early rock.
12-Bar Blues in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C7 I7 2 C7 I7 3 C7 I7 4 C7 I7 5 F7 IV7 6 F7 IV7 7 C7 I7 8 C7 I7 9 G7 V7 10 F7 IV7 11 C7 I7 12 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
C Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes C E♭ F G B♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
C Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes C E♭ F G♭ G B♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in C major · The key of C major
12-Bar Blues in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db7 I7 2 Db7 I7 3 Db7 I7 4 Db7 I7 5 Gb7 IV7 6 Gb7 IV7 7 Db7 I7 8 Db7 I7 9 Ab7 V7 10 Gb7 IV7 11 Db7 I7 12 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Db Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes D♭ F♭ G♭ A♭ C♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Db Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes D♭ F♭ G♭ A♭♭ A♭ C♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
Gb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
12-Bar Blues in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D7 I7 2 D7 I7 3 D7 I7 4 D7 I7 5 G7 IV7 6 G7 IV7 7 D7 I7 8 D7 I7 9 A7 V7 10 G7 IV7 11 D7 I7 12 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
D Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes D F G A C
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
D Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes D F G A♭ A C
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in D major · The key of D major
12-Bar Blues in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb7 I7 2 Eb7 I7 3 Eb7 I7 4 Eb7 I7 5 Ab7 IV7 6 Ab7 IV7 7 Eb7 I7 8 Eb7 I7 9 Bb7 V7 10 Ab7 IV7 11 Eb7 I7 12 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Eb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭ D♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Eb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭♭ B♭ D♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
12-Bar Blues in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E7 I7 2 E7 I7 3 E7 I7 4 E7 I7 5 A7 IV7 6 A7 IV7 7 E7 I7 8 E7 I7 9 B7 V7 10 A7 IV7 11 E7 I7 12 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
E Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E G A B D
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
E Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E G A B♭ B D
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in E major · The key of E major
12-Bar Blues in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F7 I7 2 F7 I7 3 F7 I7 4 F7 I7 5 Bb7 IV7 6 Bb7 IV7 7 F7 I7 8 F7 I7 9 C7 V7 10 Bb7 IV7 11 F7 I7 12 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F A♭ B♭ C E♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F A♭ B♭ C♭ C E♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F major · The key of F major
12-Bar Blues in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#7 I7 2 F#7 I7 3 F#7 I7 4 F#7 I7 5 B7 IV7 6 B7 IV7 7 F#7 I7 8 F#7 I7 9 C#7 V7 10 B7 IV7 11 F#7 I7 12 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F# Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F♯ A B C♯ E
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F# Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F♯ A B C C♯ E
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
C# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯ B
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
12-Bar Blues in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G7 I7 2 G7 I7 3 G7 I7 4 G7 I7 5 C7 IV7 6 C7 IV7 7 G7 I7 8 G7 I7 9 D7 V7 10 C7 IV7 11 G7 I7 12 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
G Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes G B♭ C D F
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
G Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes G B♭ C D♭ D F
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in G major · The key of G major
12-Bar Blues in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab7 I7 2 Ab7 I7 3 Ab7 I7 4 Ab7 I7 5 Db7 IV7 6 Db7 IV7 7 Ab7 I7 8 Ab7 I7 9 Eb7 V7 10 Db7 IV7 11 Ab7 I7 12 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Ab Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes A♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ G♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Ab Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes A♭ C♭ D♭ E♭♭ E♭ G♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
12-Bar Blues in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A7 I7 2 A7 I7 3 A7 I7 4 A7 I7 5 D7 IV7 6 D7 IV7 7 A7 I7 8 A7 I7 9 E7 V7 10 D7 IV7 11 A7 I7 12 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
A Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes A C D E G
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
A Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes A C D E♭ E G
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in A major · The key of A major
12-Bar Blues in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb7 I7 2 Bb7 I7 3 Bb7 I7 4 Bb7 I7 5 Eb7 IV7 6 Eb7 IV7 7 Bb7 I7 8 Bb7 I7 9 F7 V7 10 Eb7 IV7 11 Bb7 I7 12 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Bb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F A♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Bb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F♭ F A♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
12-Bar Blues in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B7 I7 2 B7 I7 3 B7 I7 4 B7 I7 5 E7 IV7 6 E7 IV7 7 B7 I7 8 B7 I7 9 F#7 V7 10 E7 IV7 11 B7 I7 12 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
B Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B D E F♯ A
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
B Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B D E F F♯ A
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–4, 7, 8, 11
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 5, 6, 10
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Johnny B. Goode Chuck Berry Pride and Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan Rock Around the Clock Bill Haley & His Comets Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues I7 – IV7 – I7 – I7 – IV7 – IV7 – I7 – I7 – V7 – IV7 – I7 – V7
Blues major 12 bars
12-bar blues with the IV in bar 2, the most common 'quick-change' variant.
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C7 I7 2 F7 IV7 3 C7 I7 4 C7 I7 5 F7 IV7 6 F7 IV7 7 C7 I7 8 C7 I7 9 G7 V7 10 F7 IV7 11 C7 I7 12 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
C Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes C E♭ F G B♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
C Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes C E♭ F G♭ G B♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db7 I7 2 Gb7 IV7 3 Db7 I7 4 Db7 I7 5 Gb7 IV7 6 Gb7 IV7 7 Db7 I7 8 Db7 I7 9 Ab7 V7 10 Gb7 IV7 11 Db7 I7 12 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Db Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes D♭ F♭ G♭ A♭ C♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Db Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes D♭ F♭ G♭ A♭♭ A♭ C♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
Gb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D7 I7 2 G7 IV7 3 D7 I7 4 D7 I7 5 G7 IV7 6 G7 IV7 7 D7 I7 8 D7 I7 9 A7 V7 10 G7 IV7 11 D7 I7 12 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
D Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes D F G A C
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
D Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes D F G A♭ A C
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb7 I7 2 Ab7 IV7 3 Eb7 I7 4 Eb7 I7 5 Ab7 IV7 6 Ab7 IV7 7 Eb7 I7 8 Eb7 I7 9 Bb7 V7 10 Ab7 IV7 11 Eb7 I7 12 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Eb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭ D♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Eb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭♭ B♭ D♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E7 I7 2 A7 IV7 3 E7 I7 4 E7 I7 5 A7 IV7 6 A7 IV7 7 E7 I7 8 E7 I7 9 B7 V7 10 A7 IV7 11 E7 I7 12 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
E Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E G A B D
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
E Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E G A B♭ B D
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F7 I7 2 Bb7 IV7 3 F7 I7 4 F7 I7 5 Bb7 IV7 6 Bb7 IV7 7 F7 I7 8 F7 I7 9 C7 V7 10 Bb7 IV7 11 F7 I7 12 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F A♭ B♭ C E♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F A♭ B♭ C♭ C E♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#7 I7 2 B7 IV7 3 F#7 I7 4 F#7 I7 5 B7 IV7 6 B7 IV7 7 F#7 I7 8 F#7 I7 9 C#7 V7 10 B7 IV7 11 F#7 I7 12 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F# Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F♯ A B C♯ E
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F# Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F♯ A B C C♯ E
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
C# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A♯ B
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G7 I7 2 C7 IV7 3 G7 I7 4 G7 I7 5 C7 IV7 6 C7 IV7 7 G7 I7 8 G7 I7 9 D7 V7 10 C7 IV7 11 G7 I7 12 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
G Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes G B♭ C D F
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
G Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes G B♭ C D♭ D F
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab7 I7 2 Db7 IV7 3 Ab7 I7 4 Ab7 I7 5 Db7 IV7 6 Db7 IV7 7 Ab7 I7 8 Ab7 I7 9 Eb7 V7 10 Db7 IV7 11 Ab7 I7 12 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Ab Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes A♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ G♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Ab Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes A♭ C♭ D♭ E♭♭ E♭ G♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A7 I7 2 D7 IV7 3 A7 I7 4 A7 I7 5 D7 IV7 6 D7 IV7 7 A7 I7 8 A7 I7 9 E7 V7 10 D7 IV7 11 A7 I7 12 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
A Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes A C D E G
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
A Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes A C D E♭ E G
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb7 I7 2 Eb7 IV7 3 Bb7 I7 4 Bb7 I7 5 Eb7 IV7 6 Eb7 IV7 7 Bb7 I7 8 Bb7 I7 9 F7 V7 10 Eb7 IV7 11 Bb7 I7 12 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Bb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F A♭
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Bb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F♭ F A♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Quick-Change 12-Bar Blues in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B7 I7 2 E7 IV7 3 B7 I7 4 B7 I7 5 E7 IV7 6 E7 IV7 7 B7 I7 8 B7 I7 9 F#7 V7 10 E7 IV7 11 B7 I7 12 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
B Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B D E F♯ A
Play this over all twelve bars. It rubs against the chords on purpose; that rub is the blues.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
B Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B D E F F♯ A
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
Home base for a blues: the flat 7th is built into the chord, so the scale takes it too.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 2, 5, 6, 10
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 12
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
The key's own notes over the chord that pulls home. Skip past the 4th — it dulls that pull.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Documented in the wild Sweet Home Chicago Robert Johnson Before You Accuse Me Bo Diddley Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major
Minor 12-Bar Blues i7 – i7 – i7 – i7 – iv7 – iv7 – i7 – i7 – V7 – iv7 – i7 – V7
Blues minor 12 bars
Smoky minor blues with a major V7 pulling back home. Santana / B.B. minor territory.
Minor 12-Bar Blues in C minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Cm7 i7 2 Cm7 i7 3 Cm7 i7 4 Cm7 i7 5 Fm7 iv7 6 Fm7 iv7 7 Cm7 i7 8 Cm7 i7 9 G7 V7 10 Fm7 iv7 11 Cm7 i7 12 G7 V7
What to play over it In C minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
C Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes C E♭ F G B♭
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
C Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes C E♭ F G♭ G B♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
C Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C minor · The key of C minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in C# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 C#m7 i7 2 C#m7 i7 3 C#m7 i7 4 C#m7 i7 5 F#m7 iv7 6 F#m7 iv7 7 C#m7 i7 8 C#m7 i7 9 G#7 V7 10 F#m7 iv7 11 C#m7 i7 12 G#7 V7
What to play over it In C# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
C# Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes C♯ E F♯ G♯ B
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
C# Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes C♯ E F♯ G G♯ B
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A B
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in C# minor · The key of C# minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in D minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Dm7 i7 2 Dm7 i7 3 Dm7 i7 4 Dm7 i7 5 Gm7 iv7 6 Gm7 iv7 7 Dm7 i7 8 Dm7 i7 9 A7 V7 10 Gm7 iv7 11 Dm7 i7 12 A7 V7
What to play over it In D minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
D Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes D F G A C
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
D Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes D F G A♭ A C
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
D Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes D E F G A B♭ C
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in D minor · The key of D minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in Eb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ebm7 i7 2 Ebm7 i7 3 Ebm7 i7 4 Ebm7 i7 5 Abm7 iv7 6 Abm7 iv7 7 Ebm7 i7 8 Ebm7 i7 9 Bb7 V7 10 Abm7 iv7 11 Ebm7 i7 12 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Eb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭ D♭
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Eb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E♭ G♭ A♭ B♭♭ B♭ D♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
Bb Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B♭ C♭ D E♭ F G♭ A♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Eb minor · The key of Eb minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in E minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Em7 i7 2 Em7 i7 3 Em7 i7 4 Em7 i7 5 Am7 iv7 6 Am7 iv7 7 Em7 i7 8 Em7 i7 9 B7 V7 10 Am7 iv7 11 Em7 i7 12 B7 V7
What to play over it In E minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
E Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes E G A B D
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
E Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes E G A B♭ B D
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
E Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes E F♯ G A B C D
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in E minor · The key of E minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in F minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Fm7 i7 2 Fm7 i7 3 Fm7 i7 4 Fm7 i7 5 Bbm7 iv7 6 Bbm7 iv7 7 Fm7 i7 8 Fm7 i7 9 C7 V7 10 Bbm7 iv7 11 Fm7 i7 12 C7 V7
What to play over it In F minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F A♭ B♭ C E♭
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F A♭ B♭ C♭ C E♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
F Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F G A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F minor · The key of F minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in F# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#m7 i7 2 F#m7 i7 3 F#m7 i7 4 F#m7 i7 5 Bm7 iv7 6 Bm7 iv7 7 F#m7 i7 8 F#m7 i7 9 C#7 V7 10 Bm7 iv7 11 F#m7 i7 12 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
F# Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes F♯ A B C♯ E
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
F# Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes F♯ A B C C♯ E
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D E
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in F# minor · The key of F# minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in G minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Gm7 i7 2 Gm7 i7 3 Gm7 i7 4 Gm7 i7 5 Cm7 iv7 6 Cm7 iv7 7 Gm7 i7 8 Gm7 i7 9 D7 V7 10 Cm7 iv7 11 Gm7 i7 12 D7 V7
What to play over it In G minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
G Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes G B♭ C D F
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
G Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes G B♭ C D♭ D F
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
G Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G A B♭ C D E♭ F
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G minor · The key of G minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in G# minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 G#m7 i7 2 G#m7 i7 3 G#m7 i7 4 G#m7 i7 5 C#m7 iv7 6 C#m7 iv7 7 G#m7 i7 8 G#m7 i7 9 D#7 V7 10 C#m7 iv7 11 G#m7 i7 12 D#7 V7
What to play over it In G# minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
G# Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes G♯ B C♯ D♯ F♯
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
G# Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes G♯ B C♯ D D♯ F♯
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
G# Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E F♯
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in G# minor · The key of G# minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in A minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Am7 i7 2 Am7 i7 3 Am7 i7 4 Am7 i7 5 Dm7 iv7 6 Dm7 iv7 7 Am7 i7 8 Am7 i7 9 E7 V7 10 Dm7 iv7 11 Am7 i7 12 E7 V7
What to play over it In A minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
A Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes A C D E G
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
A Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes A C D E♭ E G
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
A Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes A B C D E F G
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in A minor · The key of A minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in Bb minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bbm7 i7 2 Bbm7 i7 3 Bbm7 i7 4 Bbm7 i7 5 Ebm7 iv7 6 Ebm7 iv7 7 Bbm7 i7 8 Bbm7 i7 9 F7 V7 10 Ebm7 iv7 11 Bbm7 i7 12 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
Bb Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F A♭
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
Bb Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B♭ D♭ E♭ F♭ F A♭
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in Bb minor · The key of Bb minor
Minor 12-Bar Blues in B minor Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bm7 i7 2 Bm7 i7 3 Bm7 i7 4 Bm7 i7 5 Em7 iv7 6 Em7 iv7 7 Bm7 i7 8 Bm7 i7 9 F#7 V7 10 Em7 iv7 11 Bm7 i7 12 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B minor. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Over the whole form Two things to play at once: one scale that runs over the whole form, and a scale that follows each chord.
B Minor Pentatonic the five-note minor scale Notes B D E F♯ A
Play this over all twelve bars — it carries the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
B Blues Scale minor pentatonic plus the flat 5th Notes B D E F F♯ A
The same idea with the blue note added. Play it over the whole form.
Chord-Scale Reference §6 / §7.3
and, at the same time
Bar by bar
Bars 1–8, 10, 11
B Natural Minor (Aeolian) the plain minor scale Notes B C♯ D E F♯ G A
Home base — the one set of notes all these bars share.
Chord-Scale Reference §3 / §7.4
Bars 9, 12
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord raises the key's 7th so it pulls hard back home — plain minor can't do that, and the scale carries the raised note with it.
Chord-Scale Reference §3
Play it in B minor · The key of B minor
Documented in the wild The Thrill Is Gone B.B. King Black Magic Woman Santana Play it in Turnaround · The key of C minor
Jazz Blues I7 | IV7 | I7 | v7 · I7 | IV7 | ♯iv°7 | I7 | iii7 · VI7 | ii7 | V7 | I7 · VI7 | ii7 · V7
Blues major 12 bars
Twelve bars with two chords in bars 4, 8, 11 and 12. Each chord in a split bar lasts two beats. A diminished passing chord connects bars 5 and 7; the final bars use ii–V and I–VI movement.
Jazz Blues in C major Bar Chord Numeral 1 C7 I7 2 F7 IV7 3 C7 I7 4 Gm7 v7 5 C7 I7 6 F7 IV7 7 F#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 C7 I7 9 Em7 iii7 10 A7 VI7 11 Dm7 ii7 12 G7 V7 13 C7 I7 14 A7 VI7 15 Dm7 ii7 16 G7 V7
What to play over it In C major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
F# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes F♯ G♯ A B C D D♯ E♯
This chord sits outside C major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
E Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes E F G A B C D
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
A Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes A B♭ C♯ D E F G
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in C major · The key of C major
Jazz Blues in Db major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Db7 I7 2 Gb7 IV7 3 Db7 I7 4 Abm7 v7 5 Db7 I7 6 Gb7 IV7 7 Gdim7 ♯iv°7 8 Db7 I7 9 Fm7 iii7 10 Bb7 VI7 11 Ebm7 ii7 12 Ab7 V7 13 Db7 I7 14 Bb7 VI7 15 Ebm7 ii7 16 Ab7 V7
What to play over it In Db major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
Gb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭ D♭ E♭ F♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
G Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes G A B♭ C D♭ E♭ E F♯
This chord sits outside Db major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
F Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes F G♭ A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
Bb Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B♭ C♭ D E♭ F G♭ A♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Db major · The key of Db major
Jazz Blues in D major Bar Chord Numeral 1 D7 I7 2 G7 IV7 3 D7 I7 4 Am7 v7 5 D7 I7 6 G7 IV7 7 G#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 D7 I7 9 F#m7 iii7 10 B7 VI7 11 Em7 ii7 12 A7 V7 13 D7 I7 14 B7 VI7 15 Em7 ii7 16 A7 V7
What to play over it In D major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
G# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes G♯ A♯ B C♯ D E E♯ F♯♯
This chord sits outside D major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
F# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes F♯ G A B C♯ D E
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
B Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes B C D♯ E F♯ G A
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in D major · The key of D major
Jazz Blues in Eb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Eb7 I7 2 Ab7 IV7 3 Eb7 I7 4 Bbm7 v7 5 Eb7 I7 6 Ab7 IV7 7 Adim7 ♯iv°7 8 Eb7 I7 9 Gm7 iii7 10 C7 VI7 11 Fm7 ii7 12 Bb7 V7 13 Eb7 I7 14 C7 VI7 15 Fm7 ii7 16 Bb7 V7
What to play over it In Eb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
A Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes A B C D E♭ F F♯ G♯
This chord sits outside Eb major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
G Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes G A♭ B♭ C D E♭ F
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
C Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Eb major · The key of Eb major
Jazz Blues in E major Bar Chord Numeral 1 E7 I7 2 A7 IV7 3 E7 I7 4 Bm7 v7 5 E7 I7 6 A7 IV7 7 A#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 E7 I7 9 G#m7 iii7 10 C#7 VI7 11 F#m7 ii7 12 B7 V7 13 E7 I7 14 C#7 VI7 15 F#m7 ii7 16 B7 V7
What to play over it In E major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
A# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes A♯ B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯ F♯♯ G♯♯
This chord sits outside E major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
G# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes G♯ A B C♯ D♯ E F♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
C# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes C♯ D E♯ F♯ G♯ A B
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in E major · The key of E major
Jazz Blues in F major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F7 I7 2 Bb7 IV7 3 F7 I7 4 Cm7 v7 5 F7 I7 6 Bb7 IV7 7 Bdim7 ♯iv°7 8 F7 I7 9 Am7 iii7 10 D7 VI7 11 Gm7 ii7 12 C7 V7 13 F7 I7 14 D7 VI7 15 Gm7 ii7 16 C7 V7
What to play over it In F major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
F Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F G A B♭ C D E♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
B Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes B C♯ D E F G G♯ A♯
This chord sits outside F major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
A Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes A B♭ C D E F G
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
D Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D E♭ F♯ G A B♭ C
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F major · The key of F major
Jazz Blues in F# major Bar Chord Numeral 1 F#7 I7 2 B7 IV7 3 F#7 I7 4 C#m7 v7 5 F#7 I7 6 B7 IV7 7 B#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 F#7 I7 9 A#m7 iii7 10 D#7 VI7 11 G#m7 ii7 12 C#7 V7 13 F#7 I7 14 D#7 VI7 15 G#m7 ii7 16 C#7 V7
What to play over it In F# major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
F# Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
B# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes B♯ C♯♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ G♯♯ A♯♯
This chord sits outside F# major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
A# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes A♯ B C♯ D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
D# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes D♯ E F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in F# major · The key of F# major
Jazz Blues in G major Bar Chord Numeral 1 G7 I7 2 C7 IV7 3 G7 I7 4 Dm7 v7 5 G7 I7 6 C7 IV7 7 C#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 G7 I7 9 Bm7 iii7 10 E7 VI7 11 Am7 ii7 12 D7 V7 13 G7 I7 14 E7 VI7 15 Am7 ii7 16 D7 V7
What to play over it In G major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
G Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes G A B C D E F
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
C Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes C D E F G A B♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
C# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes C♯ D♯ E F♯ G A A♯ B♯
This chord sits outside G major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
B Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes B C D E F♯ G A
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
E Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes E F G♯ A B C D
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in G major · The key of G major
Jazz Blues in Ab major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Ab7 I7 2 Db7 IV7 3 Ab7 I7 4 Ebm7 v7 5 Ab7 I7 6 Db7 IV7 7 Ddim7 ♯iv°7 8 Ab7 I7 9 Cm7 iii7 10 F7 VI7 11 Bbm7 ii7 12 Eb7 V7 13 Ab7 I7 14 F7 VI7 15 Bbm7 ii7 16 Eb7 V7
What to play over it In Ab major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
Ab Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A♭ B♭ C D♭ E♭ F G♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
Db Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
D Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes D E F G A♭ B♭ B C♯
This chord sits outside Ab major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
C Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes C D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
F Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F G♭ A B♭ C D♭ E♭
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Ab major · The key of Ab major
Jazz Blues in A major Bar Chord Numeral 1 A7 I7 2 D7 IV7 3 A7 I7 4 Em7 v7 5 A7 I7 6 D7 IV7 7 D#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 A7 I7 9 C#m7 iii7 10 F#7 VI7 11 Bm7 ii7 12 E7 V7 13 A7 I7 14 F#7 VI7 15 Bm7 ii7 16 E7 V7
What to play over it In A major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
A Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes A B C♯ D E F♯ G
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
D Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes D E F♯ G A B C
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
D# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes D♯ E♯ F♯ G♯ A B B♯ C♯♯
This chord sits outside A major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
C# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A B
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
F# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes F♯ G A♯ B C♯ D E
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in A major · The key of A major
Jazz Blues in Bb major Bar Chord Numeral 1 Bb7 I7 2 Eb7 IV7 3 Bb7 I7 4 Fm7 v7 5 Bb7 I7 6 Eb7 IV7 7 Edim7 ♯iv°7 8 Bb7 I7 9 Dm7 iii7 10 G7 VI7 11 Cm7 ii7 12 F7 V7 13 Bb7 I7 14 G7 VI7 15 Cm7 ii7 16 F7 V7
What to play over it In Bb major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
Bb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B♭ C D E♭ F G A♭
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
Eb Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C D♭
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
E Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes E F♯ G A B♭ C C♯ D♯
This chord sits outside Bb major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
D Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes D E♭ F G A B♭ C
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
G Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G A♭ B C D E♭ F
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in Bb major · The key of Bb major
Jazz Blues in B major Bar Chord Numeral 1 B7 I7 2 E7 IV7 3 B7 I7 4 F#m7 v7 5 B7 I7 6 E7 IV7 7 E#dim7 ♯iv°7 8 B7 I7 9 D#m7 iii7 10 G#7 VI7 11 C#m7 ii7 12 F#7 V7 13 B7 I7 14 G#7 VI7 15 C#m7 ii7 16 F#7 V7
What to play over it In B major. Shapes on each progression's own page.
Bars 1, 3–5, 8, 13
B Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A
This chord points at the next one. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Bars 2, 6
E Mixolydian major with a flat 7th Notes E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D
The IV chord of a blues, with its own flat 7th. Play it from the chord's root.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bar 7
E# Diminished (whole-half) alternating whole steps and half steps Notes E♯ F♯♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ C♯♯ D♯♯
This chord sits outside B major, so play its own scale over it and step back into the key after.
Chord-Scale Reference §6
Bars 9, 11, 12, 15, 16
D# Phrygian minor with a flat 2nd Notes D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯
The key's own notes, centred on this chord. Land on chord tones — the notes just above the root and the 5th sound sour if you hang on them.
Chord-Scale Reference §2
Bars 10, 14
G# Phrygian dominant Phrygian, but with a major 3rd Notes G♯ A B♯ C♯ D♯ E F♯
This chord points at the next one, which is minor. Its scale comes from where it's heading, not from the home key.
Chord-Scale Reference §4
Play it in B major · The key of B major
Play it in Turnaround · The key of C major