12 Bar Blues Backing Tracks: A Guide for Beginners
If you are a guitar player who loves the blues, you probably know how fun and rewarding it is to play along with backing tracks. Backing tracks are recorded musical accompaniments that provide the rhythm, harmony, and groove for your soloing. They can help you improve your timing, technique, creativity, and confidence as a musician.
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But where can you find good quality backing tracks that suit your style and skill level? And how can you use them effectively to practice and improvise over the 12 bar blues, the most common and popular form of blues music?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what the 12 bar blues is, how it is structured, and how it can be varied. We will also show you why backing tracks are a great tool for learning and playing the blues, and where to find free backing tracks online. Finally, we will give you some tips and examples on how to improvise over 12 bar blues backing tracks using different scales, modes, licks, and riffs.
So grab your guitar, plug in your headphones, and get ready to jam with some awesome 12 bar blues backing tracks!
What is the 12 bar blues?
The 12 bar blues is a musical form that was created for blues music. It is also sometimes referred to as blues changes. Blues is a musical genre that stems from African-American traditional songs and work songs. It is a forerunner to other genres like jazz, rock and roll, and rhythm & blues.
The 12 bar blues is the most commonly occurring chord progression in the blues. It has been used by blues musicians since the beginning of the 20th century and features in some of the most famous blues songs of all time, including Sweet Home Chicago, The Thrill Is Gone and Pride and Joy (amongst countless others).
The basic structure and chords of the 12 bar blues
The name 12 bar blues comes from the fact that it consists of 12 musical bars (or measures) that are repeated over and over. Each bar has four beats, which means that there are 48 beats in total in one cycle of the 12 bar blues.
The basic progression for a 12 bar blues uses only three chords: the tonic (I), the subdominant (IV), and the dominant (V) chords of a given key. For example, in the key of C major, the I chord is C, the IV chord is F, and the V chord is G.
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A simple way to play these chords on guitar is to use dominant seventh chords (C7, F7, G7), which add some tension and color to the sound. Here is how a basic 12 bar blues in C looks like in chord notation:
C7 C7 C7 C7 F7 F7 C7 C7 G7 F7 C7 G7
And here is how it looks like in functional notation (T = tonic, S = subdominant, D = dominant):
T T T T S S T T D S T D
And here is how it looks like in Roman numeral notation (I = I, IV = subdominant, V = dominant):
I I I I IV IV I I V IV I V
The basic 12 bar blues follows a simple pattern: four bars of the I chord, two bars of the IV chord, two bars of the I chord, one bar of the V chord, one bar of the IV chord, one bar of the I chord, and one bar of the V chord. This is also known as the AAB form, because it consists of two identical phrases (A) followed by a different phrase (B).
The variations and embellishments of the 12 bar blues
The basic 12 bar blues is a simple and effective way to play the blues, but it can also be modified and embellished in many ways to create more interest and variety. Some of the common variations and embellishments are:
Adding a quick change to the IV chord in the second bar. This creates more movement and contrast in the first phrase. For example:
C7 F7 C7 C7 F7 F7 C7 C7 G7 F7 C7 G7
Adding a turnaround in the last two bars. A turnaround is a sequence of chords that leads back to the beginning of the progression. It creates more tension and resolution in the end of the cycle. There are many possible turnarounds, but one of the most common ones is using a VI chord (A7 in C) followed by a II chord (Dm in C) and a V chord (G7 in C). For example:
C7 F7 C7 C7 F7 F7 C7 C7 G7 F7 A7 Dm G7
Adding passing chords between the main chords. Passing chords are chords that connect two other chords by moving up or down by a half step or a whole step. They create more smoothness and chromaticism in the progression. For example, using a Db7 chord between C7 and F7, and using an Eb7 chord between F7 and C7:
C7 Db7 F7 Eb7 C7 Db7 F7 Eb7 C7 Db7 F7 Eb7 G7 F#dim C A D G
These are just some examples of how you can spice up your 12 bar blues progression. You can also experiment with different keys, tempos, rhythms, grooves, and styles to suit your taste and mood.
Why use backing tracks for practicing the 12 bar blues?
Now that you know what the 12 bar blues is and how it can be varied, you might be wondering why you should use backing tracks for practicing it. After all, you can just play it by yourself on your guitar, right?
Well, yes and no. Playing by yourself is fine for learning the basics, but if you want to really master the 12 bar blues and improve your musical skills, you need to play along with backing tracks. Here are some of the reasons why:
The benefits of playing along with backing tracks
Playing along with backing tracks can help you:
Develop your sense of timing and rhythm. Backing tracks provide a steady beat and groove that you have to follow and sync with. This will improve your accuracy, consistency, and feel for music.
Improve your technique and tone. Backing tracks force you to play cleanly and clearly, without relying on effects or distortion to cover up your mistakes. This will improve your articulation, dynamics, and expression.
Expand your vocabulary and creativity. Backing tracks expose you to different styles, genres, keys, scales, modes, licks, riffs, and patterns that you can learn from and incorporate into your own playing. This will improve your versatility, originality, and musicality.
Boost your confidence and fun. Backing tracks simulate playing with other musicians in a band or jam session. This will improve your communication, interaction, and improvisation skills. It will also make practicing more enjoyable and rewarding.
The tips and tricks for using backing tracks effectively
To get the most out of playing along with backing tracks, here are some tips and tricks that you should follow:
Pick backing tracks that match your skill level and goals. Don't choose tracks that are too easy or too hard for you. Choose tracks that challenge you but also allow you to play comfortably and confidently.
Listen to the backing tracks before playing along with them. Pay attention to the key, tempo, groove, style, and structure of the tracks. Identify the chords, scales, and patterns that are used in the tracks. Try to sing or hum along with the tracks to get a feel for the melody and harmony.
Start with simple and slow backing tracks. Practice playing the basic 12 bar blues progression in different keys and tempos. Focus on playing in time and in tune with the backing tracks. Gradually increase the complexity and speed of the tracks as you improve your skills.
Vary your playing and experiment with different ideas. Don't play the same thing over and over again. Try to play different rhythms, notes, chords, licks, riffs, and techniques over the backing tracks. Explore different scales, modes, and arpeggios that fit the chords and key of the tracks. Use dynamics, expression, and effects to add color and emotion to your playing.
Record yourself playing along with the backing tracks. Listen back to your recordings and analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Identify what you did well and what you need to work on. Learn from your mistakes and correct them in your next practice session.
Where to find free 12 bar blues backing tracks?
There are many sources of free 12 bar blues backing tracks online that you can use for practicing and jamming. Some of the best ones are:
The best websites and apps for downloading free backing tracks
If you want to download free backing tracks to your computer or mobile device, you can check out these websites and apps:
: This website has a huge collection of backing tracks in various styles, genres, keys, and tempos. You can search by artist, song title, or category. You can also upload your own backing tracks or request custom ones.
: This website offers high-quality backing tracks that are professionally recorded and mixed. You can browse by genre, key, tempo, or skill level. You can also create your own backing tracks using their online mixer.
: This app is a powerful tool for creating realistic backing tracks for any song or chord progression. You can choose from thousands of songs in their library or input your own chords. You can also customize the style, tempo, instruments, and effects of the backing tracks.
: This app is a platform for playing music with other musicians online in real time. You can join or create sessions with other players who share your musical interests and goals. You can also use their library of backing tracks or upload your own.
The best YouTube channels and playlists for streaming free backing tracks
If you prefer to stream free backing tracks from YouTube, you can check out these channels and playlists:
: This channel features high-quality backing tracks in various styles, genres, keys, and tempos. You can find blues, jazz, rock, funk, soul, pop, metal, and more. The videos also include chord charts and scale diagrams to help you play along.
: This channel offers fun and challenging backing tracks for guitar players of all levels. You can find blues, rock, metal, country, reggae, latin, fusion, and more. The videos also include tips and suggestions on how to improvise over the backing tracks.
: This playlist contains over 100 videos of 12 bar blues backing tracks in different keys and tempos. You can find slow, medium, and fast blues tracks, as well as shuffle, swing, and straight grooves. The videos also include chord charts and scale suggestions to help you play along.
: This playlist contains over 200 videos of blues backing tracks in various styles, genres, keys, and tempos. You can find classic, modern, acoustic, electric, and slide blues tracks, as well as different regional styles like Chicago, Texas, Delta, and British blues. The videos also include chord charts and scale suggestions to help you play along.
How to improvise over 12 bar blues backing tracks?
Once you have found some 12 bar blues backing tracks that you like, you can start improvising over them using your guitar. Improvising is the art of creating music spontaneously without following a pre-written script. It is a skill that requires practice, creativity, and intuition.
There are many ways to improvise over 12 bar blues backing tracks, but here are some basic steps that you can follow:
The basic scales and modes for playing the blues
The first step is to choose a scale or a mode that fits the key and the chords of the backing track. A scale is a set of notes that sound good together in a certain key. A mode is a variation of a scale that emphasizes a different note or mood.
There are many scales and modes that you can use for playing the blues, but some of the most common ones are:
The minor pentatonic scale: This is a five-note scale that consists of the root, minor third, fourth, fifth, and minor seventh degrees of the major scale. For example, in C major, the minor pentatonic scale is C Eb F G Bb. This scale is easy to play and sounds great over any chord in the 12 bar blues.
The blues scale: This is a six-note scale that adds a flat fifth (or sharp fourth) degree to the minor pentatonic scale. For example, in C major, the blues scale is C Eb F Gb G Bb. This scale adds some tension and dissonance to the sound and creates a more authentic blues feel.
The major pentatonic scale: This is a five-note scale that consists of the root, second, third, fifth, and sixth degrees of the major scale. For example, in C major, the major pentatonic scale is C D E G A. This scale sounds more bright and happy than the minor pentatonic scale and works well over the I and IV chords in the 12 bar blues.
The mixolydian mode: This is a seven-note mode that is derived from the fifth degree of the major scale. It is similar to the major scale but has a flat seventh degree. For example, in C major, the mixolydian mode is G A B C D E F. This mode sounds more dominant and funky than the major scale and works well over the V chord in the 12 bar blues.
You can use these scales and modes as a starting point for your improvisation. You can also mix and match them depending on the chord and the mood that you want to create. For example, you can use the minor pentatonic scale over the I chord the chord and the mood that you want to create. For example, you can bend and slide from the minor third to the major third over the I chord, or hammer-on and pull-off from the fifth to the sixth over the IV chord, or play a double stop of the seventh and the ninth over the V chord.
Conclusion
The 12 bar blues is a musical form that is essential for any guitar player who wants to play the blues. It is simple, versatile, and fun to play. It can also be used as a foundation for improvising and creating your own melodies and solos.
Playing along with backing tracks is a great way to practice and improve your 12 bar blues skills. Backing tracks can help you develop your timing, technique, vocabulary, creativity, and confidence as a musician. They can also expose you to different styles, genres, keys, scales, modes, licks, and riffs that you can learn from and incorporate into your own playing.
There are many sources of free 12 bar blues backing tracks online that you can use for practicing and jamming. You can download them from websites and apps, or stream them from YouTube channels and playlists. You can also create your own backing tracks using online mixers or platforms.
To improvise over 12 bar blues backing tracks, you need to choose a scale or a mode that fits the key and the chords of the backing track. You also need to choose some licks and riffs that fit the scale or mode that you are using. You can also vary your playing and experiment with different ideas depending on the chord and the mood that you want to create.
We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to play along with 12 bar blues backing tracks. Now it's time for you to grab your guitar, plug in your headphones, and get ready to jam with some awesome 12 bar blues backing tracks!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about 12 bar blues backing tracks:
Q: What is the best key for playing 12 bar blues?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different keys have different advantages and disadvantages for playing 12 bar blues. Some factors that may influence your choice of key are: your personal preference, your guitar tuning, your fingerboard layout, your vocal range, and the style and genre of the backing track. However, some of the most common keys for playing 12 bar blues are E, A, G, C, and D.
Q: How can I make my solos more interesting and expressive?
A: There are many ways to make your solos more interesting and expressive over 12 bar blues backing tracks. Some of them are: using dynamics (playing louder or softer), using effects (such as distortion, reverb, delay, etc.), using articulation (such as vibrato, slides, bends, etc.), using phrasing (such as pauses, accents, repetition, etc.), using call and response (playing a phrase and then answering it with another phrase), using contrast (playing high or low notes, fast or slow notes, etc.), using motifs (playing a short musical idea and then developing it throughout your solo), using space (leaving some silence between your notes), using emotion (playing with feeling and passion).
Q: How can I learn more licks and riffs for playing 12 bar blues?
A: There are many sources of licks and riffs for playing 12 bar blues that you can use for learning and inspiration. Some of them are: books (such as Blues Licks You Can Use by John Ganapes), magazines (such as Guitar World or Guitar Player), websites (such as Guitar Lick Dojo or Blues Guitar Institute), videos (such as Blues Guitar Lessons by Justin Sandercoe or Blues Guitar Masterclass by Steve Stine), podcasts (such as Blues Guitar Show or Blues Guitar Unleashed), apps (such as Blues Licks by JamString or Blues Guitar Jam Tracks by Ninebuzz), or other guitar players (such as B.B. King or Eric Clapton).
Q: How can I practice playing 12 bar blues in different styles and genres?
A: There are many backing tracks that offer 12 bar blues in different styles and genres that you can use for practicing and jamming. Some of them are: rock (such as AC/DC or Led Zeppelin), funk (such as James Brown or Stevie Wonder), soul (such as Otis Redding or Aretha Franklin), jazz (such as Miles Davis or John Coltrane), country (such as Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson), reggae (such as Bob Marley or Peter Tosh), metal (such as Black Sabbath or Metallica), or pop (such as Michael Jackson or Bruno Mars).
Q: How can I play 12 bar blues with other musicians?
A: Playing 12 bar blues with other musicians is a great way to improve your musical skills and have fun. You can join or create a band or a jam session with other guitar players, bass players, drummers, keyboard players, singers, or any other instruments that you like. You can also use online platforms or apps that allow you to play music with other musicians remotely in real time. Some of them are: JamKazam, Jamulus, Soundtrap, BandLab, or Endlesss.
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