Notes: All about Blues chords

In a Blues song simple Major and Minor chords are rare. Instead often so-called 7th chords are used. With these chords your sound gets more colour.

7th Chords

Instead of using the simple, I, IV and V-chords now you play I7, IV7 and V7 chords.

In a Blues in the key of E that would be the chords E7, A7 and B7.

Exercise: Play a 12-Bar-Blues and use the 7th-chords!

12-Bar-Blues Standard

I	I	I	I	IV	IV	I	I	V	IV	I	I
E	E	E	E	A	A	E	E	B	A	E	E

Alternative: Quick Change Blues

I	IV	I	I	IV	IV	I	I	V	IV	I	V
E	A	E	E	A	A	E	E	B	A	E	B

 

Barre-Chords

Now you learn the so-called adjustable chords, the Barre chords. Here the finger is put over several or all strings and used as a guitar saddle like a Capo. Now we take a look at the I-IV-V chords of a Blues in G.(I-Chord = G IV-Chord = C V-Chord = D)

I-Chord: In order to be able to play these chords in each kind of keytone, you look for the basic keytone at the E-string. In this example the G on the 3rd fret, so there is your barre chord.

IV-Chord: The C is on the 3rd fret on the A-string.

V-Chord: The D is on the 5th fret on the A-string

Practice: Try this with other I-IV-V combinations.

Notes on the E string

Notes on the A string

Alternative to the Barre Chords: Powerchords

Powerchords are usually used in the Rock and Metal music, because you can easily grip and change fast between the different chords shapes There are two variations to find the Powerchords. You look for the suitable tone on the deep E-string or on the A-string. A powerchord is formed this way:

These Powerchords don´t sound like the Barre chords, but if you doe not have enough strength in the fingers, or your fingers are
not flexible enough for the complicated Barre chords, the Powerchords are a good alternative.

Here are the most common Powerchords: