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Ukulalala

Blues

8-bar Blues

E · B · A · A · E · B · E · B

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E
I
B
V
A
IV
A
IV
E
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Key
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8-bar Blues in E major

8-bar Blues is I · V · IV · IV · I · V · I · V. In E major that is E, B, A. Compact 8-bar blues form. A shorter alternative to the 12-bar. Loop those chords in order. The same pattern works in any major key.

Songs that use this

  • Key to the Highway · Big Bill Broonzy
  • Heartbreak Hotel · Elvis Presley
  • Worried Life Blues · Big Maceo Merriweather

Why it works

In E major this loop is E, B, A (I · V · IV · IV · I · V · I · V). I is the home chord. V pulls away from home and wants to resolve. IV moves the song forward without leaving the key. Play the chords in order and the pattern is easy to hear on ukulele.

Chords in E major

Jump to each shape used in this loop.

EBA

Try in other keys

Same Roman numerals; chords transpose with the key.

C major → C · G · F · F · C · G · C · GD major → D · A · G · G · D · A · D · AE major → E · B · A · A · E · B · E · BF major → F · C · Bb · Bb · F · C · F · CG major → G · D · C · C · G · D · G · DA major → A · E · D · D · A · E · A · EB major → B · F# · E · E · B · F# · B · F#

Related progressions

Blues TurnaroundBlues ProgressionThe Blues12-Bar Blues

Frequently asked questions

What is the 8-bar Blues ukulele chord progression?

8-bar Blues is the I–V–IV–IV–I–V–I–V chord loop. In E major that is E, B, and A. Compact 8-bar blues form. A shorter alternative to the 12-bar.

What do the roman numerals mean in 8-bar Blues?

Roman numerals mark each chord's role in the key, not fixed chord names. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor. 8-bar Blues uses I–V–IV–IV–I–V–I–V. Change the key and the roles stay; the chord names move with it. In E major you play E, B, A.

How do you practice 8-bar Blues on ukulele?

Loop E, B, and A. Change on the first beat of each bar and keep the strum steady. If one change is hard, practice that pair slowly, then play the full loop again.

What songs use the 8-bar Blues progression?

Songs built on 8-bar Blues include Key to the Highway, Heartbreak Hotel, and Worried Life Blues.

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