These tips on how to write a verse for the twelve bar blues are are kindly contributed by Paul Quarrington of the Toronto band PorkBelly Futures. To see the tips in action watch and listen to “The Canadian Blues,” a blues song written by the audience using these tips.
Paul’s 12 Bar Blues Song Writing Tips
The blues typically begins with a statement regarding history and/or emotional state:
I WOKE UP THIS MORNING, MY BABY HAD LEFT
This line is repeated for dramatic emphasis:
I WOKE UP THIS MORNING, MY BABY HAD LEFT
Finally there is a resolution or recapitulation, which ends with the apposite RHYME:
I WAS SO SAD, DISHEARTENED AND BEREFT
As you can see, upbeat sentiments are somewhat frowned upon, but we can make allowances given the time of year:
WELL, IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME, ALL JOYFUL AND FUN
WELL, IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME, ALL JOYFUL AND FUN
IF MY BABY DON’T COME BACK, I’LL GO AFTER HER WITH A GUN
Good luck!!
PorkBelly Futures
Click here to learn to play blues guitar like a pro.
February 15th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
[...] Instructions how to write a verse for the 12 Bar Blues [...]
March 25th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Awww. How sweet!
June 11th, 2007 at 10:40 am
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July 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
Hi Thanks this was really helpfull.
Now could you tell us how to write a 16 bar verse
and a chorus for it, but keep it simple like the
example of 12 bar verse.
Thank you. I’ll appreciate.
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