Song #1 - 12 Bar Blues in E (Part 1 of 5)

For our first song, we will be working on a tune called the "12 Bar Blues in E."  This is a very famous blues guitar tune, and many blues standards by Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and many others follow this chord progression.  It is called a 12 Bar Blues because it is a blues song that lasts for 12 bars (4 counts each).  Simple enough so far?

Because we are wanting to give our song a bluesy feel, we will be using a special type of open chords called "seventh chords."  There are three chords used in this song, and two of them are extremely easy to form with your fingers (E7 and A7).  The final chord, B7, is a little tricky so be sure to practice lots!  The following three lessons will teach you how to play each chord individually, but below you will see the chord progression and a video of the song itself.  That way, you will know what you are working toward.  After you've practiced all three chords, and are able to switch between them, come back to this lesson to play along with the song itself.