12 Bar Blues - Chords In the key of A A 4 In the key of E E AL EY i Br N N ot NS BE wy eB x x ht x12 Bar Blues - Power chord riff The classic blues power chord riff has been used by countless musicians for its powerful, distinctive sound. There are many variations, but the most common version is a 2 beat pattern played twice per bar (see below). The pattern is repeated and transposed to suit the chords on the 12 bar blues. rn rr rr rn rn In the next 12 bars, I have given you the first chord of each riff for each bar. The rest is up to you! D A A 74 z ¥ = ¥ 7 3 3 ri D A A ? x } d : 7 3 r ' ua i all) > 1 we,12 Bar Blues - Riffs Blues riffs are often based on walking bass lines. The notes outline the chords of the blues, but you (usually) don't play the chords. There are many variations, but the most common is based on the 1945 recording "Guitar Boogie”. For this lesson we will learn the blues using a one bar riff in the key of A, and a two bar riff in the key of E. — i ops oo 4 za? 224? 4 4‘The next Blues riff is in the key of E, and is based on Arthur Smith's "Guitar Boogie" from 1945 ‘The longer two bar riff format makes this blues sound less repetitive and predictable. diate eas