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Last updated November 14, 2026.
Blues chord progressions
Dominant seventh chords, the 12-bar form and turnarounds that pull you back to the top.
12-bar blues
I7 I7 I7 I7 IV7 IV7 I7 I7 V7 IV7 I7 V7 in E major
E7E7E7E7A7A7E7E7B7A7E7B7
The foundation of blues, rock and roll and much of jazz.
Quick-change 12-bar
I7 IV7 I7 I7 IV7 IV7 I7 I7 V7 IV7 I7 V7 in E major
E7A7E7E7A7A7E7E7B7A7E7B7
Jumps to the IV in bar 2 for extra motion.
Minor blues
i7 i7 i7 i7 iv7 iv7 i7 i7 bVI7 V7 i7 V7 in E major
Em7Em7Em7Em7Am7Am7Em7Em7C7B7Em7B7
Dark and moody; a favorite for slow blues.