Scale guide
The Blues - Blues Scale
In one sentence: Blues scale: controlled tension with the blue note.
Mnemonic: Minor pentatonic + b5 (blue note).
Essential Formula
- Intervals: 1-b3-4-b5-5-b7
- Degrees: Not applicable (non-heptatonic scale)
Notes (US notation)
A C D Eb E G
Notes (Latin notation)
A C D Eb E G
Technical Sheet
- Level: Beginner
- Alterations: 1 (flats)
- Relative: Not applicable
- Type: blues-minor
- Tonic: A
- scaleKey: A_blues-minor
- Non-heptatonic: yes
Diatonic Chords (triads)
Not applicable (non-heptatonic scale).
Fingering - RH (right hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3 |
| Desc | 4-3-2-1-3-2-1 | 4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2 |
Fingering - LH (left hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2 | 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-5-4-3-2-1-3 |
| Desc | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3 | 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1 |
Mood & Style (quick progressions)
- Blues: I7-IV7-V7 (A7-D7-E7)
- Rock: short riff with blue note
- Funk: groove on I with chromaticisms
Do -> Use -> Understand
- Play slow and emphasize the blue note (b5).
- Alternate b3 and 3 to feel the tension.
- Phrase in two bars over I7.
Common Mistakes
- Avoiding the blue note due to insecurity.
- Playing everything straight without swing.
- Pressing too hard with the left hand.
Checklist
- I can play 1 octave without stopping
- I maintain stable pulse
- I recognize the scale's color