twelvebar
twelvebar, often written twelve-bar, is a term used to describe a common chord progression in blues and related genres known as the twelve-bar blues. The form consists of 12 measures (bars) that typically cycle through the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords, producing a recognizable harmonic backbone for melodies and improvisation.
Although many keys are used, the standard pattern in a major key is often presented in the
Variations abound: the exact chords and rhythms may be altered, the order of IV and V can
Rhythmically, twelve-bar blues is commonly played in a 4/4 time with a swing or shuffle feel, though
Notable uses include traditional blues recordings such as Sweet Home Chicago, which popularized the form, and