The 12-Bar Blues is the basis for the boogie-woogie pop songs found in this enovation. For this assignment, you will use this progression as the basis for creating your own arrangement of a popular tune from this playlist.
12-Bar Blues Progression
Song List
- Chuck Berry: Johnny B. Goode
- Chuck Berry: Roll Over Beethoven
- Elvis Presley: Hound Dog
- Elvis Presley: Jailhouse Rock
- Little Richard: Long Tall Sally
- James Brown: I Got You (IFeel Good)
- Loggins and Messina: Your Mama Don't Dance
- The Clash: Should I Stay or Should I Go
Your Assignment!
Choose a song from the song list above and print the worksheet.
Get familiar with the song's basic elements:
- Identify the key/tonality of the song.
- Practice playing the notes of the scale indicated in the worksheet.
- Identify the 12-bar blues progression that is being used. Write the chord symbols over each measure in the worksheet.
Create Your Arrangement:
- Listen to/sing the melody. Pick out the melody on the piano and practice it until you can play it comfortably. The first few notes and a starting fingering are shown in the worksheet. (It is not necessary to play the melody exactly as you hear it in the recording).
- Create an accompaniment using one of the suggested boogie-woogie patterns.
- Use the worksheet to create a map of the piece. (see practice tips)
Practice and perform your arrangement!
Left Hand Boogie-Woogie Patterns
