The Minor Blues Scale (Blues Scale) on Guitar

The minor blues scale is the minor pentatonic plus the flat fifth: 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7. That extra note is the blue note, and it is why many lessons simply call this the blues scale.

Start from the pentatonic box you already know and add the b5 between the fourth and the fifth. Select a key below for the notes and diagrams, or follow a 12-bar blues to hear it in context.

C Minor Blues Scale guitar diagram, box pattern position 1

C Minor Blues Scale: box pattern, position 1

Structure

How the minor blues scale is built:

The minor blues scale is built from the degrees 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7, which gives the step pattern W+H-W-H-H-W+H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).

Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10. That makes it a 6-note scale.

It is also known as Blues Scale.

Choose a key

C Minor Blues C# Minor Blues D Minor Blues Eb Minor Blues E Minor Blues F Minor Blues F# Minor Blues G Minor Blues Ab Minor Blues A Minor Blues Bb Minor Blues B Minor Blues

The Minor Blues Scale at a glance

Also known asBlues Scale
Formula1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Step patternW+H-W-H-H-W+H-W
Notes6
SoundGritty and tense, thanks to the flat 5th blue note.
Used forBlues, rock and funk solos, typically over a 12-bar blues.
Chords to try in CCm, Cm7, C7sus4

Scales close to Minor Blues

More Common Scales

Major Aeolian Major Pentatonic Scale Minor Pentatonic Scale Major Blues

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Giancarlo Facoetti, founder of FaChords Guitar

Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What is the Minor Blues Scale?

Gritty and tense, thanks to the flat 5th blue note. Its formula is 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7, a 6-note scale. Typical use: Blues, rock and funk solos, typically over a 12-bar blues.

What are the notes of the C Minor Blues scale?

The C Minor Blues scale is C, Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb.

What chords can I play the Minor Blues Scale over?

In the key of C, try Cm, Cm7 and C7sus4.