Three Chord Theory Continued: Blues Chord Progressions

Blues Chord Progressions:

The Blues is the accepted roots of Jazz and the heart of Rock.

It  is a musical form that is based almost entirely on three chord theory. 

Although the blues formula has survived to become the structure of Pop, the most common blues pattern is known as Twelve Bar Blues.

The name is  from the fact that it takes a number of  "bars" to complete each cycle of the chord progressions. 

A "bar" is equal to a "measure" in music theory or a count of 1-2-3-4 in common time. 

There are many variations on the theme and many ways of arranging the three chords.

Sometimes the chords are major, sometimes sevenths, sometime there are only eight bars. 

Rhythms, vocal and lead guitar solos give the  blues is character just  as much as  its chord progressions.

Below are four typical blues chord progressions in the key of E.

Three Chord Theory...

Three Chord Theory...

As soon as you are able to play your Basic Chords, you will notice that some sound better together than others.  In any key there are three chords which appear in virtually every basic progression.  They will always sound good together, whatever order you put them in.  These are your  primary chords and they represent the building blocks of all musical composition. 

You can fine these three chords in any key by looking at the major scale. 

Take the key of C as an example.  The Key of C has no sharps of flats so the notes are

C D E F G A B C.

The note C is called the root note and the chord built on the root is C major or the tonic chord. 

The other 2 primary chords are the 4th and the 5th.  Counting up the scale that would be F and G. (Root note is always counted as 1)

These chords are also called the sub-dominant and dominant.  In any key these chords have the same relationship to each other and together compromise the "Three Chord Theory". 

The Roman Numeral System is used in music theory to identify each chord in a given key.  The first chord built on the root note is I, the second note of the scale is II, the third note is III and the fourth is IV and so on up to VIII which is the octave.

Be practical as it will be the  best way of taking in this information and understanding "Three Chord theory". By playing you will familiarize yourself with the sounds behind the rules. 

Learn to play the chords one after another in various combinations and listen to the effects they create.

The chart below sets out many of the most common I-IV-V chord progressions using your basic chord set. The I and IV chords in this chart can be major or minor but the V chord or dominant is always major and is usually played as a seventh chord.

"The Stand"

Need to play  play at a moments notice?
If you play frequently and are performing or teaching thenusing a guitar stand makes good sense.
However, care must be taken where you palce the stand and guitar.

Being careful to avoid intense sunlight or heat as these may ruin your guitar quickly. The wood may become dry, brittle, cracked, twisted, or warped. If this occurs the bridge could start to separate from the body..

Try to keep your room temperaturemoderate and no direct sunlight. Alwaysbe careful of any extreme temperate changes. David- www.guitartime.com.au

"A Step By Step Process".

Ask yourself, how much do you practice? Do you practice most days of the week, are passionate about your music
 and guitar playing, but you never seem to get there! You feel  frustrated because you never seem to improve

Many of my adult students feel this way. They get discouraged or angry with themselves when th

knowing how long it is taking them to become a better guitar player.

So why is this happening. When I ask my students it is always the same answer "they are busy at work, homework, playing sport, too tires" the list goes on.

Yet, I notice some of my students who find only 10 minutes a day working on the basics improve quickly and move on. There learn. Not just the skill but the music side as well.

The following may assist you.

Set yourself some realistic achievable goals.
Lower your expectations
Know specifically what you would like to play
Use a practice shedule and stick to it.
Teaching yourself to play guitar can be difficult. Many people attempt to teach themselves how to play guitar and find that after awhile they are confused. Each toturial book or online site seems to approach things differently. Find a good teaher!
However, be careful. Just because a person is a good guitarist doesn't mean they are  good teacher. Make sure your teacher has
"experience" " Qualifications"and can play effectively with a number of styles.
Taking Guitar Lessons From Ineffective Guitar Teachers is hazardous!
Don't fall into to the trap of trying learn new tricks, tips, tab if they don't help you reach your 
Specific Musical Goals. 
Stick to the basics and get them right (100%) Close enough on basics is not good enough.
When practicing guitar  focus on say 3 achievable small tasks and you will quickly
 begin to improve your guitar playing.

Remember, learning and practicing Guitar is a "A Step By Step Process".

Cheers

David Barker
www.guitartime.com.au