12 Bar Blues and Seventh Chords
12 Bar Blues (and most chord progressions) can be played in any key. The following 12 Bar Blues is in the key of A major. When a song is said to be in the key of A major, it means that the most important chord (and usually the first chord) is the A chord.
E Seventh Chord
E7
To play the E7 chord, use the first and second fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram, and strum all six strings. The E7 chord shape is just the E chord shape with the third finger lifted off.
The next chord progression contains an E7 chord and uses the eighth note rhythm pattern (introduced in exercise 22, Lesson 6). When changing between D and E7 use your first finger as a slide finger. When changing between A and D use your first finger as a pivot.
A Seventh Chord
A7
To play the A7 chord, use the second and third fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram, and strum all six strings. The A7 chord shape is just an A chord shape with the first finger lifted off.
This progression contains an A7 chord and uses the eighth note rhythm pattern (introduced in exercise 27, Lesson 6). When changing between D7 and G use your third finger as a slide finger.
Here is a 12 Bar Blues melody to be accompanied by the new chords you have learned.
Guitar Effects...
Chorus Pedal
The chorus pedal is an ambient effect which creates a feeling of space and movement within the sound. The pedal delays the sound and changes it to become less regular and also adds slight pitch fluctuations. It then mixes this version of the sound in with the original signal coming from the guitar. Chorus pedals are equally effective with both acoustic and electric guitars.
A repeat sign in the final bar indicates that the song must be played again from the beginning. Repeat signs can also be used at the end of a section.
In this song the repeat sign at the end of bar 4 indicates a repeat of the first four bars.
