This is a cool approach to backing up a 12 bar blues using a pattern seen fingerpicking guitar. It’s keeping a thumping rhythm in the bass while going between the major chord and the dominant (flatted) 7th chord in the treble.
Tablature and other blues mandolin instruction available on my Patreon site.
Working on this accompaniment
This lesson brings a fingerpicking-guitar idea to 12-bar blues accompaniment: a steady bass rhythm underneath movement between the major chord and the dominant seventh chord.
Before you start: Useful preparation is being able to keep a steady pulse and change between chord shapes without stopping. The practice suggestions below let you separate the bass and treble before putting them together.
Practice approach
- Work on the bass rhythm by itself at a comfortable speed. Aim for an even pulse.
- Practice the change between the major and dominant seventh sounds separately, then add it back over the bass rhythm.
- Play through the full 12-bar form slowly. If the bass pulse breaks at a chord change, isolate that transition before trying the whole form again.
To work on single-note blues phrasing alongside your rhythm playing, try Blues Lick of the Day #4. Browse the mandolin lessons page for more blues and rock material.
