What is the second most popular blues progression? From Key to the Highway to Worried Life Blues, the legends have given us a great way to break free of the same old twelve bar blues pattern. Some of the most iconic blues songs ever penned use the 8 bar blues format. Don't get me wrong, 12 bar blues is important and powerful, but sometimes... You need a change. Keep Your Repertiore Interesting with 8 Bar Blues When you feel twelve bar blues running through your veins, it may be time to explore other common blues formats. Squeezing a few eight bar blues tunes in your set list can keep you from putting your audience to sleep. To keep your listeners (even if its just the wife, kids or the dog) from hitting the snooze button when you play, open your ears to the 8 bar blues format. To get you started, check these popular 8 bar tunes out: - Worried Life Blues (Big Maceo) - Sittin' on Top of the World (Mississippi Sheiks) - Key to the Highway (Big Bill Broonzy) - How Long, How Long Blues (Leroy Carr) After hearing these songs, you'll no doubt be ready to put the 8 bar blues format to work for you. Learn 8 Bar Blues Watch the video to get a complete breakdown of a typical 8 bar blues progression in the style of Key to the Highway. Be sure to check out BGI for the complete lesson: http://www.bluesguitarinstitute.com/8-bar-blues And while you're there, sign up for the newsletter to get free updates full of licks, tips and lessons laser focused on helping you improve your blues. Just click here: http://www.bluesguitarinstitute.com/YT021 Hope to see you in the BGI Community! Play On! John PS - If you've got a guitar buddy that could use a little variety in their blues rhythm, send him/her the link to this video and help them break out of the 12 Bar Rut! http://youtu.be/0iZGQDNA7qI