Blues guitar uses a fairly standard collection of chord voicings.

The chords on these pages represent

the top chord voicings you hear in most blues songs. I started out with 10 but added a few more
along the way. Learn all you can!

Blues Chords with a Fifth String Root

The diamond indicates the root.

Dom 7th Dom 7th Dom 9th 7(#9) Dom 13th

Very stable. 3-String Great substitute Less stable - More complex
Works well Great for rhythm for Dom 7th more bluesy. sounding. Sounds
on I, IV or V. parts. Works well chord. Works Works well on V. better higher up on
on I, IV or V. well on I, IV or V. neck. Works on I,
IV or V.

Other Options: Open Voicings:

Dom 7th Half-Dim 7th Open E7 Open A7

Very stable. Can be substituted Great sounding Great sounding
Works well for the Dom 7th or Open E7 Chord Open A7 Chord
on I, IV or V. Dom 9th. Works on I, IV or V. Works on I, IV or V.
For example:
C7=Em7(b5)
Works on I, IV or V.

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Blues Chords with a Sixth String Root

Dom 7th Dom 7th Dom 7th Barre Dom 13th

Very stable. Very stable. Sometimes can be Can be substituted
Great for rhythm. Works well too thick for rhythm for Dom 7th for
Works on I, IV or V. on I, IV or V. Works on I, IV or V. added color.
Works on I, IV or V.

Blues Chords using Four Strings

Dom 7th Dom 7th Rootless Dom 7th Rootless Half-Dim 7th
Higher sounding. Colorful Substitute Colorful Substitute Can be substituted
Hammer-On 2nd Finger for Dom 7th. for Dom 7th. for the Dom 7th.
Works on I, IV or V. Works on I, IV or V. Works on I, IV or V. For example:
F7=Am7(b5)
Works on I, IV or V.

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Blues Chord Progressions
Here is the standard 12 bar blues progression using the I, IV and V chords.

Blues in G
Here is a standard blues in G with basic rhythm lower chord voicings.

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Here is a standard blues in G with basic rhythm higher chord voicings.

Seventh Chord Triad Patterns (1st - 3rd Strings)

Now, that you’ve learned the forms on the neck let’s start combining them to form common chord
movements that you will see in songs.

Here is a standard blues in G with basic rhythm middle chord voicings.

www.GuitarGathering.com 4 Top 10 Chord Forms for Blues Guitar