1. Which chord is the I chord in the key of A?
In the key of A, the I chord is A.
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Example lesson history · 12-Bar Blues in A
Keep the chord changes moving · 26 Aug Build three clear chord shapes · 19 Aug Find and hold a steady pulse · 12 Aug3 October 2026
12-Bar Blues in A ✓ Teacher approved
You learnt the basic 12-bar blues shape in A and how the chords fit into each bar. The key idea is that the pattern repeats, so once you know the bar layout, you can follow the form in any blues context using Roman numerals.
Work from this lesson
Check the 12-bar blues in A
Choose the correct answer each time. Each question comes from the lesson you learnt.
2. Which pair of bars first uses the D chord in the 12-bar blues pattern in A?
The lesson set bars 5–6 on D.
3. What is the purpose of bars 11–12?
Bars 11–12 are the turnaround, which leads back to the top of the 12-bar cycle.
Your next steps
written recallBuild the 12-bar blues pattern in A
Practise writing the 12 bars in order from memory. Use this bar layout: 1–4 A, 5–6 D, 7–8 A, 9 E7, 10 D, 11–12 turnaround. Aim to place each chord in the right bar and notice how the final two bars lead back to the start.
oral recallSay the Roman numerals with the chords
Practise matching each chord to its Roman numeral in A: I = A, IV = D, V = E7. Repeat the bar pattern while naming the numerals.
listening and theory checkCheck the turnaround bars
Review bars 11–12 and notice that they lead back to the top of the 12-bar cycle. Focus on identifying the second-to-last bar and the final bar as the turnaround area.
This lesson introduced the 12-bar blues as a repeating chord progression used in blues and related styles. In the key of A, the main chords are I = A, IV = D and V = E7. The bar layout was set out clearly: bars 1–4 on A, bars 5–6 on D, bars 7–8 back on A, bar 9 on E7, bar 10 on D, and bars 11–12 as the turnaround back to the start. Roman numeral notation was used so the pattern can be moved to other keys.
The 12-bar blues is a repeating 12-bar cycle
The form is built from 12 bars that repeat in the same order. Knowing the bar count helps you keep track of where you are in the progression.
Example In A: bars 1–4 A, bars 5–6 D, bars 7–8 A, bar 9 E7, bar 10 D, bars 11–12 turnaround.
Common misconception The 12-bar blues is just any blues chord sequence
Check yourself Can you count through all 12 bars and place the chords in the right order?
Roman numerals show the chord’s role in the key
I, IV and V describe the chord’s place in the key, not just its letter name. In A, I means A, IV means D and V means E7.
Example A = I, D = IV, E7 = V in the key of A.
Common misconception Roman numerals are just another way of renaming chords
Check yourself Can you match each chord to its Roman numeral in A?
Bars 11–12 are the turnaround
The last two bars lead the music back to the top of the 12-bar cycle. They act like a return point rather than a stopping point.
Example Listen to how bars 11–12 lead back to bar 1 in the attached score.
Common misconception The final two bars end the whole piece
Check yourself Do you know which bars lead back to the start of the progression?
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12 Bar Blues - Key of AInteractive music practice · Score Player
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12 Bar Blues - Key of AInteractive music practice · Score Player
Read the score, listen, slow down and loop a passage.
Open practice hereClose practiceListen, change speed, select a part or loop a passage. One-bar count-in is on by default.
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