Blues Scale Scale

The minor pentatonic scale with an added blues note (b5). This creates the authentic blues sound with its characteristic dissonance.

intermediateBlues ScaleA Blues • E Blues • G Blues

Scale Formula

1-b3-4-b5-5-b7

Interval pattern

Scale Notes:

A - C - D - Eb - E - G

Intervals:

Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 4th, Tritone, Perfect 5th, Minor 7th

Why Learn This Scale?

  • Authentic blues solos
  • Rock guitar leads
  • Jazz-blues fusion
  • Country blues
  • R&B lead guitar

Common Keys

A Blues
E Blues
G Blues
D Blues
B Blues

Fretboard Patterns

Blues Box Pattern

Position 1
Fret 5 - Blues Box Pattern

Starting fret: 5

Classic blues box with the added blue note - the secret to authentic blues sound

💡 Tip: Classic blues box with the added blue note - the secret to authentic blues sound

Practice Exercises

Blue Note Bending

Slow, expressivePitch accuracy and emotional expression

Master the characteristic blue note bends

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice bending the b5 to the 5
  2. 2.Work on quarter-tone bends for microtonal effects
  3. 3.Combine bends with vibrato
  4. 4.Practice call-and-response phrases

Music Theory

Parent Scale

This scale is derived from the pentatonic-minor

Chord Tones

1
b3
5
b7

Famous Uses

"The Thrill Is Gone"

by B.B. King

Key: B Blues

"Pride and Joy"

by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Key: E Blues

"Crossroads"

by Eric Clapton

Key: A Blues

Master More Guitar Scales

Expand your musical vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar scales and modes.