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Create memorable Blues songs and melodies with Blues freelance musicians skilled on the rhythm guitar around 12-bar chord progressions. Find Blues WFH freelancers on January 21, 2025 who work remotely. Read less

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What to Know

How are blues songs made?

Blues songs typically follow one of several common structures, with the 12-bar blues being the most iconic. Here's how a blues song is generally structured, along with musical examples:

1. 12-Bar Blues

Structure: This is the most traditional and widely recognized form, consisting of 12 bars in a repeating pattern. The chords usually follow a I-IV-V progression in a major or minor key.

Chord Progression Example in C Major:
Bars 1-4: C (I)
Bars 5-6: F (IV)
Bars 7-8: C (I)
Bar 9: G (V)
Bar 10: F (IV)
Bars 11-12: C (I)

Lyric Structure: Often follows an AAB pattern where the first line (A) is repeated, followed by a contrasting line (B).

Example Lyrics:
A: "Woke up this morning"
A: "Woke up this morning"
B: "Blues all around my bed"

Musical Example:
"Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton (or the famous cover by Elvis Presley) uses a 12-bar blues structure. The song's verses follow this chord progression in E major:
E - E - E - E | A - A - E - E | B - A - E - E

2. 8-Bar Blues

Structure: Similar to the 12-bar but condensed into 8 bars. It's less common but used effectively in some blues songs.

Chord Progression Example in G Major:
Bars 1-3: G (I)
Bar 4: C (IV)
Bar 5: G (I)
Bar 6: D (V)
Bar 7: C (IV)
Bar 8: G (I)

Lyric Structure: Can follow an AAB pattern or simply be more narrative with less repetition.

Musical Example:
"Key to the Highway" by Big Bill Broonzy is an example of an 8-bar blues, where the verses and choruses fit into this shorter structure.

3. 16-Bar Blues

Structure: An extended form where the basic 12-bar pattern is expanded to 16 bars, allowing for more musical development.

Chord Progression Example in A Major:
Bars 1-4: A (I)
Bars 5-6: D (IV)
Bars 7-8: A (I)
Bar 9: E (V)
Bar 10: D (IV)
Bars 11-12: A (I)

Bars 13-16: Could vary but often repeats the initial 4 bars or introduces a new theme.

Lyric Structure: Might extend the narrative or repeat sections for emphasis.

Musical Example:
"Stormy Monday" by T-Bone Walker uses a 16-bar structure, providing room for extended solos and lyrical storytelling.

Additional Elements:

Call and Response: Often in blues, there's a call from the lead singer or instrument, followed by a response from the backing vocalists or instruments. This can occur within the structure of any of these forms.

Turnarounds: At the end of each sequence (especially in 12-bar blues), there might be a "turnaround" - a small musical phrase leading back to the start of the progression, often on the V chord.

Instrumental Breaks: Blues songs frequently include instrumental solos that follow the same chord progression, allowing musicians to express themselves within the structure.

Variations: Blues is also known for its flexibility, where artists might use variations or "jazz up" the standard progressions with additional chords or altered rhythms.

Notable Examples in Practice:

"Sweet Home Chicago" by Robert Johnson: Demonstrates a classic 12-bar blues structure with an AAB lyric pattern.
"I'm Tore Down" by Freddy King: Utilizes the 12-bar blues but with variations in chord usage for emotional depth.

Each of these structures can be adapted, extended, or modified, but the essence of the blues lies in its expressive, repetitive form that provides both comfort through familiarity and space for emotional exploration.

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