Jazz lead sheet · Intermediate
Jazz Blues in F
The jazz version of the blues, with ii–Vs, a passing diminished chord and a turnaround.
- Composer
- Traditional form
- Form
- 12-bar blues
- Key
- F major
- Style
- Blues
- Length
- 12 bars
BluesF major
I7F Mixolydian
IV7B♭ Mixolydian
I7F Mixolydian
C Dorian
V7/IVF Mixolydian
IV7B♭ Mixolydian
♯iv°7B W–H dim.
I7F Mixolydian
A Dorian
V7/iiD Phryg. dom.
ii7G Dorian
V7C Mixolydian
I7F Mixolydian
V7/iiD Phryg. dom.
ii7G Dorian
V7C Mixolydian
For students
What to notice
- Bar 4: Cm7–F7 is a ii–V into B♭7 (IV7). F7 becomes V7/IV for a moment.
- B°7 in bar 6 is a passing diminished chord, rising a half step from B♭ toward F/C.
- Bars 8–12 are a chain of dominants and ii–Vs: D7 → Gm7 → C7 → F, then a turnaround back to the top.
Practice plan
Three steps to improvising
- Compare this with the basic blues: which chords are new, and where do they point?
- Play guide tones through the turnaround (bars 11–12) until you can hear each resolution.
- Mix the F blues scale with chord tones, landing on the 3rd of D7 (F♯) 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.