I–I–I–I–IV–IV–I–I–V–IV–I–V in E♭ Major
Pattern: I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V
Chords: E♭ – E♭ – E♭ – E♭ – A♭ – A♭ – E♭ – E♭ – B♭ – A♭ – E♭ – B♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| IV | A♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| IV | A♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
| IV | A♭ (details) | major | Subdominant |
| I | E♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
| V | B♭ (details) | major | Dominant |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through E♭ (Tonic) → E♭ (Tonic) → E♭ (Tonic) → E♭ (Tonic) → A♭ (Subdominant) → A♭ (Subdominant) → E♭ (Tonic) → E♭ (Tonic) → B♭ (Dominant) → A♭ (Subdominant) → E♭ (Tonic) → B♭ (Dominant).
The 12-bar blues is the most iconic chord progression in American music. This 12-measure form built on the I, IV, and V chords has been the foundation of blues, rock and roll, and jazz for over a century.
Song Examples
- Sweet Home Chicago — Robert Johnson
- Hound Dog — Elvis Presley
- Rock Around the Clock — Bill Haley & His Comets