12 Bar Blues

by Per Danielsson

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12 bar Blues

There are certain elements in jazz that all students should practice, such as ii-V-I progressions, major and minor scales, rhythm changes and the 12 bar blues. Learning the sound and variations of the 12 bar blues will greatly improve your playing, both melodically and harmonically.

It is also important to know the blues from a historical perspective because it is the foundation of jazz. Treatment of the blues has changed dramatically during the history of jazz. However, it has always been a part of every jazz musician's musical vocabulary. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, to mention a few, all played the blues but in different styles. I think it's safe to say that blues is the common denominator between all jazz musicians, regardless of what style of jazz they are playing.

This article contains examples of chord substitutions that are frequently used when playing a 12 bar blues. It is important to be able to hear and understand the most common blues progression in order to become a skilled jazz musician. When the members of a rhythm section listen to each other and play the same chord changes, greater support will be provided for the soloist.

• Practice the changes slowly and listen to their functions. Look for 2-5-1 progressions, chromatic and tri-tone movement.
• Create your own versions of the blues by using the given material.
• Practice with your metronome and work out comping patterns.
• Learn the voicings.