Blues Guitar in Different Keys

Earlier we discussed the makeup of the basic 12 bar blues.  It consists of the 1, 4 and 5 chords of whatever key we are in. Our first example was in the key of A. I would like to show you the same progression in the key G.

12 Bar Blues in G

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Now if you compare the blues in A with the blues in G you notice that the chord pattern is iden-tical with the exception of the frets they are played in. As I said earlier, because the blues is built on the same basic structure, it makes it very easy to change keys.

The 1 and 4 chords are in the same fret and the 5 chord is two frets higher. Here’s another ex-ample in the key of C.

12 Bar Blues in C

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As you can plainly see, all three examples follow the same structure in how the chords are played. You should now be able to play the blues in any key following the structure of the previous examples.

Using Chords Starting With The Root On The Fifth String

The earlier examples all started with the 1 chord on the sixth string. Here’s a second way to play the 12 bar blues with the one chord starting on the 5th string.

12 Bar Blues in C Barre Chords

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Take notice of the pattern now. The 1 chord is now located on the root on the fifth string. The 4 and 5 chords are located with the root on the 6th string. Wherever you start with the 1 chord, the 4 chord is played two frets lower. You then move back up two fret to play the 5 chord. The 1 and 5 chords will be located in the same fret.

Here’s another example just to make sure you have it.

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You now know two different ways to play the chords in a 12 bar blues in any key. Each way only covers a span of three frets and is built on a repeating pattern so it’s easier to play and memorize.

Make sure that you practice at a nice slow tempo when starting out. Keep a steady beat and use a metronome if you have one. If you are new to barre chords, hang in there. They get easier.

Here’s another useful example of the blues in E using open position chords. There are many examples of the blues in E with these chords. Check these out on Youtube.

Even though Stevie Ray adds a few wrinkles to the basic chords, these are both examples of blues in E that use the chords below. As a guitarist, you have to know how to play the blues in this fashion.

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