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How To Write a Verse For The Twelve Bar Blues



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.

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4 Comments so far

  1. [...] Instructions how to write a verse for the 12 Bar Blues [...]

  2. irene March 25th, 2007 8:49 am

    Awww. How sweet!

  3. Rose June 11th, 2007 10:40 am

    I’m glad I found your site! It’s nice! Would you please also visit my site?

  4. Christ July 23rd, 2008 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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