Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
Jazz Blues in B♭
The jazz blues in B♭, with a ii–V into the IV and a passing diminished chord.
- Composer
- Traditional form
- Form
- 12-bar blues
- Key
- B♭ major
- Style
- Blues
- Length
- 12 bars
BluesB♭ major
I7B♭ Mixolydian
IV7E♭ Mixolydian
I7B♭ Mixolydian
F Dorian
V7/IVB♭ Mixolydian
IV7E♭ Mixolydian
♯iv°7E W–H dim.
I7B♭ Mixolydian
D Dorian
V7/iiG Phryg. dom.
ii7C Dorian
V7F Mixolydian
I7B♭ Mixolydian
V7/iiG Phryg. dom.
ii7C Dorian
V7F Mixolydian
For students
What to notice
- Bar 4 turns the tonic into a ii–V: Fm7–B♭7 leads into E♭7, the IV chord.
- E°7 in bar 6 is a passing diminished chord rising a half step toward B♭.
- Bars 8–12 are a chain of dominants and ii–Vs that turn the form back to the top.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Compare this chart with the basic blues and name every chord that is new.
- Play the guide tones through the turnaround (bars 11–12) until each resolution is clear.
- Mix the B♭ blues scale with chord tones, landing on B over G7 in bar 8.
For teachers
Using this chart in class
- Project the chart with Play along running and loop one section while students find the guide tones.
- Choose Practice → Name the numerals for a whole-class quiz: students vote, then reveal the explanation.
- Mixed ensemble? Print the worksheet once per transposition: B♭, E♭, F and bass clef parts all line up bar for bar.
- Share a link: the key, instrument and view you choose are saved in the address bar.
Chord changes are common performance versions written out by Music Theory Lessons. No melodies or lyrics are reproduced. Names of songs and composers are used only to identify each tune.