15 Must-Know Blues Guitar Chord Progressions Every Guitarist Should Learn
Blues is at the heart of modern guitar playing. From Eric Clapton and Peter Green to John Mayer and Joe Bonamassa, iconic sounds are built on blues chord progressions.
Whether you’re jamming in Bristol, playing open mics in London, or writing your own songs, mastering these progressions gives you the tools to improvise, write, and jam with confidence.
Below are 15 essential blues chord progressions, complete with tips, and play-along suggestions.
1. The Classic I – IV – V
Example in A: A → D → E
Dominant 7ths for flavour: A7, D7, E7
Songs: Sweet Home Chicago, Crossroads
Chord Diagram (A7)
e|-0-|
B|-2-|
G|-0-|
D|-2-|
A|-0-|
E|—|
2. I7 – IV7 – V7
Every chord as dominant 7th gives extra blues “bite”.
In E: E7 → A7 → B7
Songs: Everyday I Have the Blues, I Can’t Quit You Baby
Chord Diagram (E7)
e|-0-|
B|-0-|
G|-1-|
D|-0-|
A|-2-|
E|-0-|
3. I – ii (Two-Chord Blues)
Minimalist, but highly effective.
In G: G → Am
Song: I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James)
4. Minor Blues (i7 – iv7 – VI7 – V7)
In Bm: Bm7 → Em7 → G7 → F#7
Adds drama and emotional depth.
Song: The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King)
5. 12-Bar Blues (Standard Form)
E7 E7 E7 E7
A7 A7 E7 E7
B7 A7 E7 B7
Core of blues playing; endless improvisation possibilities.
Songs: Pride and Joy, Hound Dog
6. Quick Change & Elongated Dominant
Quick Change: switch to IV chord in bar 2
Elongated Dominant: stretch V chord over bars 9–10
Songs: Crossroads, Roll Over Beethoven
7. 12-Bar Blues in Minor
In Am: Am7 → Dm7 → E7
Darker, moodier sound perfect for slow blues.
8. i7 – iv7 – v7
In Am: Am7 → Dm7 → Em7
Minor v chord gives plaintive, haunting tone.
Song: All Your Love (John Mayall / Clapton)
9. Turnarounds
Bring the progression back to the top: V → IV → I → V
Jazzier: ii–V–I or I–vi–ii–V
10. Jazz Blues
Add ii–V movement, diminished chords, or substitutions.
Gives standard blues a sophisticated flavour.
11. Bird Blues
Complex jazz variation: ii–V sequences within standard blues.
Song: Blues for Alice (Charlie Parker)
12. 16-Bar Blues
Extend the classic 12-bar to 16 bars.
Songs: Watermelon Man (Herbie Hancock)
13. 8-Bar Blues
Shorter, punchier blues: I → I → IV → IV → I → V → I → V
Song: Worried Life Blues
14. I – ♭VII – ♭VI – V
Descending rock-blues feel.
In C#: C# → B → A → G#
Song: Cocaine (JJ Cale / Clapton)
15. I9 – IV9 – V9
Swap 7ths for 9th chords: C9 → F9 → G9
Smooth, soulful, great for slow blues.
🎶 Tips for UK Guitarists
Experiment with voicings — barre, open, and spread chord shapes.
Focus on rhythm & feel — dynamics, bends, slides, and timing are key.
Blend genres — blues progressions underpin rock, pop, indie, and jazz.
Transpose — play in different keys or use a capo for vocalists.
Book your guitar lesson at www.allaboutguitar.co.uk
Thanks to guitarlobby.com
