Blues 1-4-5 alternatives. - Guitar Tricks Forum

Originally Posted by: 1966flyingVI understand the 1-4-5 (12 Bar) progression,but what other options are there ?[/quote]
You can shorten the form (8 bars for example), or make it longer (16 or 32 bars for example). Some of the older, original blues artists had irregular forms throughout their arrangement, essentially just staying on a chord as long as they needed to for the lyrics story to happen. Then changing chords whenever it fit the lyrics.

You can simplify the chord progression down to just one or 2 chords like some of the older Delta guys did. Or you can play in a minor key, add a dramatic flat VI chord.

[quote=1966flyingV]Does anyone have any examples of well known Blues songs that clearly demonstrate different ways of playing chord progressions and Rythmic patterns that sound "bluesy" ?

BB King's 'Thrill Is Gone' is a great minor blues with a flat VI & a straight 1/8th groove.

https://www.guitartricks.com/songs/artist/muddy-waters

For simplfied chords & form you can't do better than Muddy Waters!

https://www.guitartricks.com/songs/artist/muddy-waters

For a modern take Robert Cray's 'Right Next Door'.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2064

Anders covers regional blues styles in his Blues 1 course.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=14485&s_id=947

And alternative blues forms in Blues 2.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=13283&s_id=757

I have a few tutorials that cover slightly more advanced blues.

16 Bar Blues