Expert: John Moyer - 4/4/2004

Question
Hi, John
I'm looking for a website that might offer some insight into blues theory.  I have been messing with a guitar for about three years now, and have always been a blues fan.  I've tried searching several times on the web, but thought you might be able to suggest something for me to take a look at.
Thanks,
Mike

Answer
Dear Mike,
    I don't know of such a web site.  Blues don't have much theory, they are all the same structure. Twelve bars, with the first four in the tonic, the next two in the sub-dominant, then two in tonic, Then two more in the dominant and back to the tonic for two, or sometimes one, with the last bar in dominant.  For instance, four bars with an A chord, then two bars in D and two back in A.  Then two bars in E (or one bar in E and one in D) and back to A for two bars (or one in A and one in E7).  If you have more questions I will be glad to answer them.  You can write directly to me at mjarmadillo@aol.com. To find a web site, try typing 'blues theory' or 'blues music' in the search box of your browser.  Jake.