Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
Jazz Blues in C
The jazz blues in C, with a quick ii–V into the IV and a chromatic passing chord.
- Composer
- Traditional form
- Form
- 12-bar blues
- Key
- C major
- Style
- Blues
- Length
- 12 bars
BluesC major
I7C Mixolydian
IV7F Mixolydian
I7C Mixolydian
G Dorian
V7/IVC Mixolydian
IV7F Mixolydian
♯iv°7F♯ W–H dim.
I7C Mixolydian
E Dorian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
I7C Mixolydian
V7/iiA Phryg. dom.
ii7D Dorian
V7G Mixolydian
For students
What to notice
- Bar 4 is a ii–V (Gm7–C7) that points at F7, the IV chord.
- F♯°7 in bar 6 rises a half step from F toward C, a classic passing diminished chord.
- The turnaround in bars 11–12 (C7–A7, Dm7–G7) uses secondary dominants to head home.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Bracket each ii–V and say which chord it resolves to.
- Play the guide tones through the turnaround without jumping.
- Improvise with the C blues scale, then add G♯ over A7 to show the V7/ii sound.
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.