When learning how to play jazz guitar, one of the most common progressions guitarists check out is the jazz blues progression.
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Since it is a fundamental formWhen learning how to play jazz guitar, one of the most common progressions guitarists check out is the jazz blues progression.
Since it is a fundamental form in just about every genre of modern music, the blues is a natural first step for guitarists who are moving into jazz from a rock, blues or pop background. Because of this, having a good understanding of how a jazz blues chord progression is built can go a long way in helping you take that first step into the realm of jazz guitar.
In today’s column, we’re going to be looking at the basic jazz blues chord progression, how it is built, and take a look at some common voicings you can use to comp through this important progression. If you are looking to take this approach further, check out my article Common Jazz Blues Chord Substitutions.[1]
First Four Bars
The first four bars of a jazz blues are relatively the same as a traditional blues, with the exception of the second bar. Here, the jazz cats like to use the “quick change” progression, which is also found in traditional blues as well but is the standard in jazz blues for the most part.
The quick change progression uses three chords in the first four bars, I7-IV7-I7-I7, which is why it is called a “quick change” progression, because you change the chords quicker than the traditional I7-I7-I7-I7 blues form in this part of the tune. Check out the example below to see how the first four bars looks like in the key of F.
Second Four Bars
The second four bars of a jazz blues progression deviate quite a bit from the traditional blues form. Here, it starts the same, with a IV7 chord in bar five, but then in bar