12-Bar Blues

The 12-Bar Blues is a musical pattern commonly used in blues music, consisting of 12 measures or bars. It follows a specific chord progression, typically using three main chords that repeat throughout the song: the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords. The structure often features a set pattern of these chords, creating a familiar, cyclical rhythm that gives blues its soulful, expressive feel. This pattern provides a foundation for improvisation and emotional expression, making it a cornerstone of blues and influencing many other genres like jazz and rock.