Moving the Form to E

Everything so far has been in A. But the form is not three specific chords, it is three positions: I, IV and V. Change the key and the positions move together.

In E, the I chord is E7, the IV chord is A7 and the V chord is B7. Notice that A7 has been promoted — it was home in the old key and it is the IV chord now. That relationship, a fourth apart, is the same relationship every time, in every key.

E is the other great blues guitar key, because the open low E string sits right underneath the whole thing.

E7

E7 — the I chord in this key.

A7

A7 — the IV chord now, the same shape you already know.

B7

B7 — the V chord.

Circle of Fifths

Tap any key on the wheel and its neighbours to the left and right are its IV and V chords. That is the whole trick for finding a blues in a key you have never played.

Your solo moves too. In E, use E minor pentatonic, which is the same shape you learned at the fifth fret, slid down to the twelfth — or played in open position.

E Minor Pentatonic

E minor pentatonic — the identical shape, relocated.

A swinging groove blues in E, built on the E7, A7 and B7 you just learned. Play rhythm for one chorus, then solo for one, and alternate.

When that feels comfortable, try this Texas-style blues in E for a rowdier version of the same twelve bars.