Intermediate
Lesson 33 of 70
The Blues Scale
Adding the blue note
From Pentatonic to Blues
The blues scale is the minor pentatonic with one extra note: the b5 (the "blue note"). This single addition transforms the sound from generic rock to unmistakably blues.
Minor pentatonic: 1 — b3 — 4 — 5 — b7
Blues scale: 1 — b3 — 4 — b5 — 5 — b7
In A: A — C — D — Eb — E — G
The b5 is a chromatic passing tone — you slide or bend through it, never land on it.
The Blues Scale Shape
Take your pentatonic Box 1 and add the b5. In A blues at fret 5, that's fret 8 on strings 4 and 3.
The blue note sits between the 4th and 5th — one extra fret squeezed into the pattern. Play it as a quick slide from the 4th up to the 5th, or as a bend from the 4th that kisses the b5 before resolving.
Tab Examples
A blues scale - Box 1
e--5--------8--- B--5--------8--- G--5--7--8------ D--5--7--8------ A--5--7--------- E--5--------8---
Same as pentatonic Box 1 plus the b5 (fret 8 on strings 4 and 3).
Classic blues lick using the b5
e------------------------------- B------------------------------- G------5--7--8--7--5------------ D--5--7-----------------7--5--- A------------------------------- E-------------------------------
The 8 on string 3 is the b5 — slide into it and away. Don't sit on it.
Tips
- The blue note is a passing tone — don't camp on it, move through it
- Slide or bend through the b5 for authentic blues feel
- Our tab generator has a Blues scale option that includes this note
Practice Exercises
- Learn the blues scale shape — pentatonic Box 1 + the b5
- Practice sliding through the b5 rather than fretting it cleanly
- Improvise over an A blues backing track using the blues scale
- Use our tab generator with Blues scale selected for practice material