What is a 12 bar blues? (Music theory lesson)

I've noticed some confusion among viewers as to what is the 'correct way' to play a 12 bar blues. In fact there are several common variations you will encounter when playing out in the real world. I explain the Top 5 patterns in this video.
Playlists of 12 bar blues:
12 bar blues with bands:
• 12 bar Blues for Students
12 bar blues with solo piano:
• 12 bar blues solo pian...
12 bar blues featuring (II-V and I-VI-II-V) changes:
• 12 bar blues w 1-6-2-5
If you would like to learn how to play blues and boogie woogie on the piano, check out the videos on my channel, and also the School of Boogie! Tons of free, self-guided lessons there. www.schoolofboogie.com
Enjoy!

[@johnnyrockett978]

This is probably a naive question, but in the key of C - for example - I've always been taught II stood for Dm and VI stood for Am ... but in your examples I think you are saying II stands for D Major and VI stands for A Major - can you straighten this out for me at all? I don't know the proper order to watch your videos, but this is the first time you lost me in my first two weeks of watching you and learning from your boogie woogie book. [I don't have a piano at my computer ... I think that is a detriment for me.] I just watched your video on what the numbers stand for - but you didn't cover the II (two) and VI (six) chords. I've grown attached to you, Arthur. Please don't fail me now buddy. lol

[@roberttimm8026]

Chuck Berry often didn't tour with a steady band. He was an ornery band leader who counted on the house band at any venue to know his whole set without rehearsing with him, so he could just walk in and hit the stage. Story goes, that often his only guidance to the band walking on was "Never go to the 4" on the turnarounds.

[@Zilegil]

8 bar blues supremacy, mate. Nice one ☝️

[@ArtRodent]

The first book I learnt from in the mid 1970's as a 13 year old was Lead Guitar by Harvey Vinson, based around 12 bar blues and it's remained ingrained in me. Taking up piano in my 50's it's your books and teaching that have helped me to improvise 12-bar. Thanks, for great explanations in this lesson, Arthur.

[@johnlewis5330]

Love your teaching style and content.

[@patrikduller8449]

This is absolute gold, thanks so much man! :)

[@MrBrax1000]

Thanks for adding Muddy! Gained my love of blues from him. Learned about him from studying Jimi as a kid and been hooked since then. Great info here.

[@okiepita50t-town28]

Excellent tutorial. Enlightening.

[@nilaydervish9973]

This video is absolutely brilliant. Packed with such neat and essential information, I'm not sooooo confused as to what's happening in those 12-Bars anymore. Thank you!

[@daveadams5]

🎵 Arthur this is so informative! This clears up a lot that many may find mystifying about the blues. You are so right, the blues doesn't have to be just the I, IV and V but man, they gotta be there! Thanks so much for posting what is probably the most useful video on KZbin about the blues! Marvellous! And in your shorts! Cheers! 🎵

[@Robertlavigne1]

Loving the new content! Thanks so much Arthur! Would you be able to cover playing a few left hand patterns that include the II and VI variations? Not really sure what to be playing especially on the two beat II and VI.

[@flamecrew9atroblox958]

Youre awesome, love blues.

[@michealjonex6608]

In most music @

[@askatero]

Hiiiiiiipe!!!! excellent masterclass😊😊😊😊😊👌

[@brucejeric6701]

Growing up I always heard the “fast 4 “ called doing a “quick change”of course I’m pretty dated at 77 years old. Most of this was back in the 60’s for me when I took up bass guitar and played in blues band. Couldn’t carry my acoustic piano, big I sure wanted to play in a band. So I did

[@JoshWalshMusic]

So much fun. Thanks Arthur!

[@johnwalker1474]

Thanks for putting this together Arthur. Absolutely fascinating and I love your way of teaching. I’m trying to spend more time listening to boogie and blues music as I definitely think it helps me to improve as a pianist. Keep up the good work! Cheers, John.✨👍✨

[@kzsotto7375]

Great.

[@dennisk.3909]

Well done, great introduction to the 12 bar format, thanks.

[@oliviaalmazova1052]

Благодарю за лекцию!