Blues Scale Scale

The minor pentatonic plus the "blue note" (♭5) — that one extra note instantly makes any lick sound like the blues.

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Formula

10st
♭33st
45st
♭56st
57st
♭710st

Notes in every key

Scale1♭34♭55♭7
A BluesACDD#EG
E BluesEGAA#BD
C BluesCD#FF#GA#
G BluesGA#CC#DF
D BluesDFGG#AC

How to use it

Add the ♭5 as a passing note (do not sit on it). It is the "money note" that gives the blues its tension and release.

Where you hear it

Every blues solo — SRV, B.B. King, Clapton, plus blues-rock from Hendrix to Zeppelin.

🎛️ Pick any key & play it on the interactive fretboard →

Blues Scale — FAQ

What notes are in the Blues Scale?

The Blues Scale follows the formula 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7. For example, in the key of A it is A C D D# E G.

What is the Blues Scale used for?

The minor pentatonic plus the "blue note" (♭5) — that one extra note instantly makes any lick sound like the blues.

What songs use the Blues Scale?

Every blues solo — SRV, B.B. King, Clapton, plus blues-rock from Hendrix to Zeppelin.

🎯 Can you name the song from its amp settings? Play the free Guess-the-Tone game →

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