September 6, 2023 by Klaus Crow
Bigstock photo
The dominant 7th chord is the most common used chord in blues. But also the ninth and thirteenth chords are found regularly in blues music to give that extra flavor to a chord progression. They add a little bit of jazz flavor.
Choosing the right blues chords can make your blues rhythm playing sound fresh and full of color.
Playing these blues chords in different positions will give you a unique sound every time again and makes playing rhythm much more fun and challenging.
The blues chords shown below are all in the key of A, however they are moveable chords so they can be played in every key. The red dot indicates the root note. In the diagrams below all red notes are “A” notes. If you would move all the chords up a whole step then the chords are in the key of B.
If you want the chords to be in the key of E, then move the entire chord so that the red dot (root note) lands on the “E” note.
Tips:
– Learn to play the chords in different keys.
– Memorize all nine chords.
– Practice the chords with a 12 bar blues progression.
/ A7 / A7 / A7 / A7 / D7 / D7 / A7 / A7 / E7 / D7 / A7 / E7 /
You can exchange a 7th chord for a ninth or thirteenth chord anytime you like.
– Practice the 12 bar blues a couple of times and each time use different chords.
– Practice this every day for a week.
– Make sure you keep using the chords on a regularly basis so they become part of your guitar vocabulary.
If you like more advanced blues progressions check out this post 3 Juicy blues chord progressions to be prepared
Expand your blues chord vocabulary and have fun!
9 Blues Guitar Chords to Rock The House!
Part I
Part II
1 = index finger, 2 = middle finger, 3 = ring finger 4 = pinky
Do you know some nice blues chords please share in the comments. I appreciate it.
Hi Klaus sir,
I had practiced dominant 7th chord and I also like blues music.The tips you have provided are useful and used those tips while practicing.I enjoyed the challenge.It was fun too.I think with daily practice my blues rhythm will sound good.Iam going to practice everyday so that it will be part of my guitar playing.Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, this is one of the most useful lessons I’ve seen in a long time!
Thanks Tim,
Enjoy playing those beautiful sounding chords.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Hi Klaus sir,
I have a doubt in “16 right reasons why you should practice”.You had said that “I know that there is a part of practicing that can also be discouraging and frustrating,but this is a sign you are on the way to overcome an obstacle that will improve your playing in great measure and lead you to a lot of new and exciting ways that will increase your passion”.
What did you meant in these sentences?
What is the word obstacle mean?
you had said me to that whatever your level of playing the key is to have fun!practice and have fun.
When I practice i will be working on certain aspect of a song.I will not be playing.when I finished practicing and if i play the song it will be fun.
How can I have fun while practicing?
Is it possible to have fun by practicing?
Hi Prasana,
An obstacle is a challenge you have to overcome. A challenging guitar riff or solo that you want to work because you love it so much.
If you really love a song, riff or solo that much, then the challenge is worth the cost of determination, persistence and obstacles you have to overcome.
Every little piece you have improved gives you an energy boost and along with that come the fun. You can also find the fun in knowing that you are improving, being proud of yourself for practicing and growing as a guitar player and knowing what lies ahead of you.
Find that song, riff or solo that you love. Learn with small steps and find something that is achievable.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
thankyou so much ! the best !!! finally someone who dont talk for 5min and teach for 1 minute !!
Thanks Alex. I try not to talk too much :)
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Really clear lesson and great videos to go alongside. Thanks
Hi Klaus,
Thanks for the great demonstrations. I am a beginner, but determined to learn
Eva Cassidy’s rendition of San Francisco Bay Blues, but cannot figure out all
the intricacies of her playing. I realize they are regular blues chords that you have covered, but cannot figure out which position of chords to play. Would you be ever so kind to just figure out the chord formations for me and maybe comment on why she sounds so different. I am in complete awe of her and would greatly appreciate your expert advice.
Many Thanks for your generosity in sharing your knowledge.
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