The Top 12 Bar Blues Songs for Practice

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The 12 bar blues are just so good. I feel the songs in my soul. If you’re into blues, and I’m guessing you are, you know what I mean. What’s more is that the 12 bar blues chord progression, 1 4 5 is common in other types of music too. So you can play songs with this progression in a genre that you enjoy if it isn’t blues per se too.

Honestly, the basics are pretty simple, so you can crank out some good tunes pretty early on in your guitar journey. But playing progressions out of a book can get old pretty quickly. So do the scales and arpeggios.

Using songs to practice is a great way to break the monotony and add the fun back in. Here you’ll find out some of the top 12 bar blues songs for practice so you can get jamming. Plus, you’ll be building up your repertoire which is always nice for when someone inevitably asks you to play something.

The Benefits of Using Songs for Practice

As if what I mentioned above isn’t awesome enough, there are even more reasons to use 12 bar blues songs for guitar practice.

Become a Well-Rounded Guitarist

When you listen to a song, you can immediately hear that there’s a lot going on. You have the rhythm and you have the lead, along with the bass and drums. Often you have other instruments, like a trumpet or harmonica, playing the melody or complimentary parts to the lead guitar and vocals. You have instruments playing harmonies, etc.

Learn all the parts. Even the other instruments’ parts if that takes your fancy. This way you’ll become a well-rounded guitarist. So many times beginners and even long-time guitarists can get stuck in a rut. But if you learn to play lead and rhythm, you’ll steer clear of that rut so much better.

Practice Your Timing

I love playing along to songs. It’s the next best thing to playing with a band or a partner. But it’s not just about having a good time. You’ll be able to work until you get the tempo right. So often a guitarist can shred like a boss or make their guitar croon, but shoddy timing will make them sound like amateurs.

You can learn to count out the rhythm. I know that’s tedious, and honestly, when I’m playing with other people, I never do that. You certainly can’t do it if you’re singing too. But you can learn to listen to the beat of the drums as well as the timing of the other guitars and the bass. This way you’ll learn to play seamlessly with others. It’s a lot more fun than using a metronome too.

Practice Ear Training

If you’re brave, you can take a song and try to play by ear rather than reading the tabs or chord sheet. It can take some doing, but it will become easier with practice. Most musicians can at very least get the melody right in a short amount of time.

You should be able to hear mistakes if you’ve been playing long enough. But if you aren’t quite there yet, playing along to a song will make it glaringly obvious when you play the wrong note or chord. Most people cringe when they hear a discordant note, because unless it’s artfully done, ugh.

The Top 12 Bar Blues Songs For Practice

As mentioned, the 12 bar blues use the 1 4 5 chord progression. Using the circle of fifths, you can work out the 12 bar blues in any key. Here are the songs that will teach you to play in various keys and at various skill levels all while having a good time.

Cross Road Blues-Robert Johnson

This classic has been around for several decades and it’s been covered numerous times. Robert Johnson’s skill set made people at the time believe he went to the cross roads and made a deal with the devil. Of course, what he did back then, sounding like multiple guitarists, is something many guitarists are able to do these days.

You can take the separate parts of this song and really get your playing to sound fantastic. You can even play around with combining the lead and rhythm or bass and rhythm to sound like multiple guitars too. Whatever you decide to do, this progression is pretty easy to play in open chords and the lead is great practice too. This song is in open A tuning.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/robert-johnson/crossroad-blues-chords-2959199

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/robert-johnson/crossroad-blues-tabs-206960

The Thrill is Gone- B.B King

This song is another great one that isn’t too hard to play. Learning all the guitar parts of this song will add a mellow song to your repertoire. It will also hone your skills in a way that provides a good challenge for beginners and is simple enough for intermediate players to get the hang of.

Using a capo will allow you to play easier chords until you can attempt it without a capo. The lead isn’t too difficult, so start there for a more relaxing practice. You’ll practice skills like slides, bends, and pull-offs.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/b-b-king/the-thrill-is-gone-chords-1761818

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/b-b-king/the-thrill-is-gone-tabs-206969

Johnny B.Goode-Chuck Berry

For a 12 bar blues song that has an awesome rock and roll feel to it, Johnny B.Goode is a must. It’s a lot of fun to play and will have you tapping your feet and bobbing your head all the way.

The chords are harder to play, the song is better suited to intermediate players. But don’t let that put you off. Practice playing the more difficult chords and once you’re ready, take this song slow. Then gradually speed it up. Otherwise, enjoy the other guitar parts which are a little easier to play and sound great. You’ll learn hammer-ons, slides, pull-offs, and bends. If you struggle at first, no problem, keep practicing.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/chuck-berry/johnny-b-goode-chords-319116

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/chuck-berry/johnny-b-goode-tabs-1515686

Something Like Olivia-John Mayer

Now, for something a little more modern. You might think I’m crazy for putting a John Mayer song on the list, but the chords in the rhythm section are actually pretty easy.

You may need to start this song slowly and then speed it up as you get the hang of it. In the lead section, there are some challenging parts for beginners, but overall, this song is definitely not one of his most difficult songs. Just stick it out and have fun with it.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-mayer/something-like-olivia-chords-1053042

Here are the tabs for the intro (simpler):

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-mayer/something-like-olivia-tabs-1154711

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-mayer/something-like-olivia-tabs-1969779

Give Me One Reason-Tracy Chapman

I really enjoy Tracy Chapman’s music. And while I wouldn’t put file this song under blues per se, it still uses the 12 bar blues progression.

The chords are mostly simple and if I’m honest, this is my go-to key when jamming 12 bar blues just for fun. Beginners shouldn’t have too much trouble with the chords, aside from the B7 which is just a case of getting your muscle memory going… this is true of all chords, but you know what I mean.

The lead parts are also simple. A lot of Tracy Chapman’s songs are simple in a way that’s beautiful, so her music is always a good option.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/tracy-chapman/give-me-one-reason-chords-1045138

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/tracy-chapman/give-me-one-reason-tabs-63401

Rock Me Baby- B.B King, Eric Clapton, and Jimmie Vaughan

This feel-good song is great for anyone who likes that bluesy sound. When I first listened to this song, I immediately felt like damn, this is just so good. This rendition is particularly awesome with so much to explore guitar-wise. There are three guitars playing! So you can get some really great practice in, just learn all three guitar parts while enjoying the style of each one.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/b-b-king/rock-me-baby-chords-3295178

Here are the tabs for B.B King:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/b-b-king/rock-me-baby-tabs-638345

Here are tabs for Eric Clapton:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/eric-clapton/rock-me-baby-tabs-928906

Ain’t No Sunshine- Bill Withers

Another well-known classic, beginners should find this song to be an enjoyable one to practice. It isn’t too fast and you can play the simple parts first and then foray into slightly more complex parts. There are lovely walking bass/lead parts that aren’t too fast and will allow you to get into lead, bass, or a combo of one of those and rhythm nicely.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/bill-withers/aint-no-sunshine-chords-468744

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/bill-withers/aint-no-sunshine-tabs-951361

Baby What you Want Me To Do- Jimmy Reed

This easy going song has a simple but awesome rhythm to it. Beginners will be able to follow along easily. The B chords may pose a bit of a challenge, but with regular practice these chords will come naturally to you. As you progress, you can pick out the lead parts to play or play rhythm with the licks in between. Why not play the harmonica’s part by ear to work on that aspect of musicality.

I’ve chosen to give you the chords and tabs for the Elvis Presley version because these are the most accurate ones. Just note that his version is a lot more rock and roll. Just adapt it to make it bluesy. That’s another great way to broaden your skill set.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/elvis-presley/baby-what-you-want-me-to-do-chords-2697543

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/elvis-presley/baby-what-you-want-me-to-do-tabs-79724

Viola Lee Blues- Grateful Dead

This song is another great one for progressing with your skills as you take on the parts of the different instruments. Strum the simple chords, then take on the lead guitar playing over those chords. While not super difficult, the speed is moderate, so if you’re looking to speed up your playing but need something middle of the road rather than being thrown in the deep end, this is the song for you.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/grateful-dead/viola-lee-blues-chords-3402587

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/grateful-dead/viola-lee-blues-tabs-518599

Boom Boom- John Lee Hooker

This song is a lot of fun to play. If you want to practice faster chord changes, this song will do that for you. The lead often follows the chord changes, but branches out into other notes that flow nicely over the rhythm parts. You’ll learn good timing, bends, pull-offs, slides, and hammer-ons. Start slowly and work your way up to the actual speed of the song. It’s not overly fast, but can be a bit challenging for beginners. Nothing practice can’t fix.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-lee-hooker/boom-boom-chords-2172807

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-lee-hooker/boom-boom-tabs-1005459

Lucille- B.B King

If you want to expand your chord repertoire into flats (♭), give this song a go. Get creative and look up different ways to play the chords. You may end up with a different voicing that changes the feel of the song, but again, nothing wrong with exploring. My go-to is barre chords, but an entire song in barre chords can make your hands all crampy if you aren’t accustomed to playing them regularly. They’re also a tougher on the wrist.

This song also has a 12/8 time signature which believe it or not, does give the song a different feel to 3/4 which is the more common time signature in modern music. The lead part isn’t too difficult and sounds delicious with those bluesy bends, just be sure to get your timing right. Remember to tune your guitar down half a step when you play the tabs to match the recording.

Here are the chords:

https://chordify.net/chords/b-b-king-songs/lucille-2-chords

Here are the tabs:

https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/bb-king-lucille-tab-s403659

Folsom Prison Blues- Johnny Cash

If you like your 12 bar blues with a bit of a country flavor, try this Johnny Cash song. The difference is in the strumming. To be a well-rounded rhythm guitarist, learning different ways to strum is an essential skill. The lead part is pretty straight forward, just the odd hammer-on or bend. But, you’ll still get to practice working on your dexterity and alternate picking.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/johnny-cash/folsom-prison-blues-chords-811776

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/johnny-cash/folsom-prison-blues-tabs-332252

I can’t Quit You Baby- Led Zeppelin

When I think of Led Zeppelin, I think of rock music. But they also had a few blues numbers, and this one in particular has that blues feel I particularly like. That slow rhythm is exactly what makes it great for beginners. The lead parts aren’t super slow though, you have some trills thrown in that will get two of your fingers moving quickly. There are also a few other notes in quick succession here and there, slides, bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs.

While there are some parts of the song that stray from the 12 bar blues format, most of it is still in that format and so I’ve included it in this list.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/led-zeppelin/i-cant-quit-you-baby-chords-2104821

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/led-zeppelin/i-cant-quit-you-baby-tabs-9468

Bad Luck and Trouble- John Lee Hooker

Who can resist a good blues shuffle. It’s one of my favorite things to do on the guitar. The simplified version of this song is in the 12 bar blues format and is suitable for beginners. If you want to play the more flavorful version, it slips out of the 12 bar blues format a bit but is just as good. The lead parts are pretty simple too, just a few hammer-ons, which is cool if you just want to work on hitting notes and doing hammer-ons.

Here are the chords:

https://chordify.net/chords/john-lee-hooker-the-groundhogs-songs/bad-luck-and-trouble-chords

Here are the tabs:

https://www.guitartabsexplorer.com/john-lee-hooker-Tabs/bad-luck-and-trouble-crd.php

Move It On Over- George Thorogood

This song has that rock and roll vibe, but with the 12 bar blues progression and some classic blues turnarounds, it will do nicely. Besides, rock and blues have a close relationship, especially the older stuff. If you want an upbeat blues song to practice your blues licks with, here you go. Both the rhythm and lead parts are pretty easy to master with regular practice.

You may need to start slow for the lead stuff, but you can work your way up to the actual speed at your own pace. So it’s a nice song to take you from beginner to intermediate playing. The tabs are in open D tuning.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/george-thorogood-the-destroyers/move-it-on-over-chords-1457400

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/george-thorogood-the-destroyers/move-it-on-over-tabs-1715689

Dust My Broom- James Elmore

Here’s another song with that classic call and response thing going on. You can play a combination of the lead and rhythm parts this way. The exception is at the end, but you can still jam your way to the end in a way that sounds good if you’re playing on your own. You just need to get creative. Again, it’s a song that slightly strays from the 12 bar blues format in some parts, but the majority of it is 12 bar blues.

It’s a lot of fun to play so it will barely feel like practice. The chords below are for the ZZ Top version and the tabs for James Elmore. Just bear in mind that to play true to the recording of James Elmore’s version, you’ll need to tune your guitar to open D tuning.

Here are the chords (ZZ Top):

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/zz-top/dust-my-broom-chords-1518907

Here are the tabs (James Elmore):

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/elmore-james/dust-my-broom-tabs-206963

Sweet Home Chicago- Eric Clapton

If you want a feel good blues number to practice, especially if you hail from Chicago, here you go. Both the rhythm and lead parts are easy enough for beginners to be able to play. Most of the song is in the 12 bar blues format. The lead part has quite a few slides in it, but it isn’t too fast, so it’s not too difficult. Just have fun with it. I’ve taken the chords from the Eric Clapton version, but the tabs are from The Blues Brothers.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/eric-clapton/sweet-home-chicago-chords-1669792

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-blues-brothers/sweet-home-chicago-tabs-1044299

Pride and Joy- Stevie Ray Vaughan

You’ll need to tune your guitar down half a step to play this one true to the recording. While the rhythm is pretty easy, the lead part is good for practising speed. While you won’t be shredding like a metal head, it’s one of the faster songs on this list, so your fretting hand will get a good workout as will your other hand. This is a great option for improving your dexterity.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/stevie-ray-vaughan-double-trouble/pride-and-joy-chords-1245692

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/stevie-ray-vaughan-double-trouble/pride-and-joy-tabs-30829

20. All Your Love- John Mayall & The Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton

If hammer-ons and bends is what you want to practice, this is the song for you. The lead part has a lot of these. If you want a nice song with easy chords with a strumming pattern that isn’t too difficult, again, this is the song for you. It has a nice moderate tempo, so you won’t have to be Speedy Gonzales. It’s a nice relaxing song to practice.

Here are the chords:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-mayall-the-bluesbreakers/all-your-love-chords-2915546

Here are the tabs:

https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/john-mayall/all-your-love-tabs-1750896

Conclusion

There you have it. A list of the top 12 bar blues songs that you can practice to. This list is by no means all the songs that there are, so go on exploring and play along to your favorite songs as practice. It’s okay to pause songs if you need to. It’s also okay to listen to certain parts over and over again to get them right.

And listen critically. By that I mean, pick out the different instruments and parts and really listen to them. Not only will this help you to practice your listening skills, but it will make it easier to play by ear too. When I was studying music production, my lecturer warned us that we will never listen to music the same way again.

For him, I got the feeling that he enjoyed it less. But I found even more enjoyment since it was a richer experience. But then, I also have no issue turning it off and just listening to the song as a whole. Both are good skills to have.

Have fun with the songs as you practice. But be sure to take on the more challenging parts too. As you can play more of the song, and by that I mean, various parts, the more satisfaction you’ll get. Your confidence will grow too. Playing with confidence is half the battle won.

Top 12 bar blues songs for practice