Mastering Blues Guitar Chords: A Complete Guide

Blues music is a foundation of modern guitar playing, influencing countless genres from rock and jazz to soul and funk. At the heart of blues is the unique set of chord voicings and progressions that give the style its unmistakable sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering blues guitar chords is essential for developing a solid foundation in blues guitar.

In this blog post, we’ll explore different styles of blues chords, common chord progressions, and how to use chord extensions to add color and complexity to your playing. We’ll also introduce you to my ebook, BluesCraft, which is designed to help you dive deeper into the art of blues guitar.

Understanding Blues Guitar Chords

Blues guitar chords are typically simple yet powerful. The most basic blues chords are dominant 7th chords, which create tension that resolves throughout the classic 12-bar blues progression. While the chords themselves are straightforward, the variations and extensions you can apply make blues both accessible and rich in depth.

Dominant 7th Chords

The dominant 7th chord is the cornerstone of most blues progressions. A dominant 7th chord is made up of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. This chord creates a sense of tension, and its unresolved sound gives blues its characteristic feeling of longing or anticipation.

Example: A7 Chord

e|---0---
B|---2---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

The A7 chord, for instance, is a common chord in blues progressions. The open strings make it easy to play, while the dominant 7th note (G) gives it that classic bluesy feel.

Minor Chords in Blues

In addition to dominant 7th chords, minor chords are also prevalent in blues. Minor chords, such as Am or Em, add a darker, more emotional quality to the music. These chords are often used in blues ballads or slower, more introspective songs.

Example: Am Chord

e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---2---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

Minor chords can be combined with dominant 7th chords to create interesting contrasts in blues progressions.

The 12-Bar Blues Progression

At the heart of most blues music is the 12-bar blues progression. This progression is built around three chords: the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord. In the key of A, for example, the 12-bar progression looks like this:

• I Chord (A7): Played for 4 bars
• IV Chord (D7): Played for 2 bars
• I Chord (A7): Played for 2 bars
• V Chord (E7): Played for 1 bar
• IV Chord (D7): Played for 1 bar
• I Chord (A7): Played for 1 bar
• V Chord (E7): Played for 1 bar

Here’s what it looks like on the guitar in the key of A:

A7

e|---0---
B|---2---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

D7

e|---2---
B|---1---
G|---2---
D|---0---
A|-------
E|-------

E7

e|---0---
B|---0---
G|---1---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---0---

This simple progression forms the foundation for thousands of blues songs and is an essential pattern to learn for any guitarist.

Adding Chord Extensions to Blues Guitar Chords

One of the ways to make your blues playing more expressive is by using chord extensions. Extensions add additional notes to basic chords, providing more color and emotion. In blues, you’ll often hear extensions like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, which give the chords a more sophisticated sound.

9th Chords

The 9th chord adds a ninth note (the second note in the scale, one octave higher) to the dominant 7th chord. This chord is commonly used in blues to create a smooth, jazzy vibe.

Example: A9 Chord

e|---0---
B|---0---
G|---2---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---0---

The A9 chord adds a B note, giving the chord a more open and smoother feel compared to the dominant 7th chord. It can be used to replace the dominant 7th chord in progressions, adding more sophistication.

13th Chords

A 13th chord is an extended dominant chord that adds the 13th note in the scale (equivalent to the 6th note). It has a more complex and colorful sound, often used in jazz-influenced blues styles.

Example: E13 Chord

e|---0---
B|---0---
G|---1---
D|---1---
A|---2---
E|---0---

You can substitute the E7 chord in a blues progression with the E13 chord to add more flavor to your playing.

Diminished 7th Chords

Diminished 7th chords are a great way to introduce tension in your blues progressions. These chords are often used as passing chords between the I and IV chords or the IV and V chords.

Example: D#dim7

e|---1---
B|---0---
G|---1---
D|---0---
A|-------
E|-------

Using a diminished 7th chord in place of a dominant chord creates a feeling of suspense, leading naturally into the resolution of the next chord.

Common Blues Chord Progressions

While the 12-bar blues is the most iconic progression, there are many variations and alternate progressions you can use to spice up your blues playing. Here are a few examples:

Minor Blues Progression

The minor blues progression is similar to the 12-bar blues but uses minor chords, which give the song a darker, more emotional tone.

In the key of Am, the progression is as follows:

• Am: Played for 4 bars
• Dm: Played for 2 bars
• Am: Played for 2 bars
• E7: Played for 1 bar
• Dm: Played for 1 bar
• Am: Played for 1 bar
• E7: Played for 1 bar

I-IV-V Blues with 9th Chords

A common way to add variety to your blues progressions is to use 9th chords instead of dominant 7th chords. This progression is often used in more jazz-influenced blues styles.

In the key of G:

• G9: Played for 4 bars
• C9: Played for 2 bars
• G9: Played for 2 bars
• D9: Played for 1 bar
• C9: Played for 1 bar
• G9: Played for 1 bar
• D9: Played for 1 bar

Blues with a Turnaround

A turnaround is a short progression that brings the song back to the I chord at the end of a phrase. A common turnaround progression in blues is:

• I – VI – II – V

In the key of A, this would be:

• A7 – F#7 – Bm7 – E7

Turnarounds are often used at the end of a 12-bar progression to signal the start of the next verse or solo section.

Taking Your Blues Playing Further with BluesCraft

If you’re serious about mastering the art of blues guitar, my ebook BluesCraft dives deeper into everything we’ve discussed in this post and much more. In BluesCraft, you’ll learn:

• How to play more complex chord progressions in various blues styles
• Tips for integrating chord extensions like 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths into your blues playing
• Advanced techniques for blues improvisation
• Practice exercises and backing tracks to help you develop your blues guitar skills

Whether you’re just getting started with blues or looking to take your playing to the next level, BluesCraft is the perfect guide to help you along the way. With step-by-step instructions and practical examples, you’ll be able to play blues guitar with confidence in no time.

Conclusion: Master Blues Guitar Chords

Learning and mastering blues guitar chords is essential for any guitarist looking to play in this genre. From the iconic 12-bar blues progression to more advanced chord extensions and variations, there’s a wide range of possibilities to explore. By incorporating dominant 7th chords, minor chords, and chord extensions like 9ths and 13ths, you can make your blues playing more expressive and versatile.

As you practice the progressions and techniques covered in this post, remember that blues is about more than just playing the right chords—it’s about feeling and expressing emotion through your instrument. Take your time, experiment with different chord voicings, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

For more in-depth lessons, exercises, and progressions, don’t forget to check out my ebook, BluesCraft, where you’ll find everything you need to become a blues guitar master.