12 Bar Blues Piano Music – The Best of the Best

Looking for some great 12 bar blues piano music? We’ve rounded up the best of the best, so you can start jamming out right away!

What is the 12 Bar Blues?

The 12 bar blues is one of the most popular chord progressions in popular music. The 12 bar blues is a 12-bar chord progression that uses the I, IV, and V chords of a major key. The progression is usually played with a shuffle rhythm.

Where did the 12 Bar Blues come from?

The 12 bar blues is one of the most popular chord progressions in all of music. It’s been used in songs by artists as diverse as Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin, and it’s the foundation for countless jazz, rock, and pop tunes. But where did this ubiquitous progression come from?

The origins of the 12 bar blues are a bit murky, but it’s thought to have originated in the Deep South of the United States during the late 1800s. It was first popularized by African American musicians who were playing in what was known as the “blues style.” These early blues players would often use this chord progression to improvise their songs, which is how it got its name.

The “12 bar” refers to the fact that this chord progression is made up of 12 measures, or bars. Each measure contains four beats, which is why it’s sometimes also referred to as “4/4 time.” The most common chords used in the 12 bar blues are the I, IV, and V chords. In major keys, these chords would be the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords. In minor keys, they would be the minor tonic (i), minor subdominant (iv), and minor dominant (V) chords.

The 12 bar blues is typically played in a slow or moderate tempo, which gives musicians plenty of time to improvise and add their own personal touch to the song. This makes it a great choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the blues. So if you’re looking to add some new tunes to your repertoire, check out our list of 10 essential 12 bar blues songs!

What are the benefits of playing the 12 Bar Blues?

There are many benefits to playing the 12 Bar Blues. The first is that it is a great way to improve your piano skills. The 12 Bar Blues is a simple chord progression that is often used in jazz and rock music. It is also a great way to learn about different chord progressions.

Another benefit of playing the 12 Bar Blues is that it can help you to better understand the structure of music. The 12 Bar Blues is a very repetitive chord progression, which can help you to see how different chords work together. This can be helpful when you are trying to create your own songs or when you are trying to figure out how to play a song that you already know.

Finally, playing the 12 Bar Blues can be a great way to relieve stress. The simple, repetitive nature of the chord progression can help to take your mind off of your day-to-day worries and help you to relax. If you are looking for a new way to relax, consider playing the 12 Bar Blues on your piano.

How can I learn to play the 12 Bar Blues?

Here are a few tips to get you started playing the 12 bar blues on piano:

1. Start by learning the basic chord progression. The most common progression is based on the I, IV, and V chords in a given key. In the key of C, that would be C, F, and G. You can also use other chord progressions, but this is a good place to start.

2. Once you know the chord progression, start practicing it with both hands. Play the chords with your left hand and use your right hand to improvise melodies over top. Start by playing simple melodies and then work on adding more complex embellishments as you get comfortable.

3. As you get more comfortable playing the 12 bar blues, start experimenting with different rhythms and melodic ideas. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to improvisation, so feel free to let your creativity flow!

4. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix things up once in awhile. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, try using a different chord progression or experimenting with different left-hand voicings. The goal is to have fun and keep your mind open to new possibilities.

What are some of the best 12 Bar Blues songs?

There are countless great 12 bar blues songs out there, but here are a few that stand out as some of the best of the best.

-“Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
-“Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson
-“Sitting on Top of the World” by Howlin’ Wolf
-“Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
-“I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon
-“The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King