A Blues Scale on Guitar
The A Blues Scale has the notes A – C – D – Eb – E – G. Blues is the minor pentatonic plus the "blue note" (b5). Gritty and soulful because of the "blue note" (the flat 5th).
A Blues Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | b3 | 4 | b5 | 5 | b7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | A | C | D | Eb | E | G |
It is A minor pentatonic with the b5 (Eb) added.
Fretboard diagram (frets 0 to 12)
6 positions across the neck
Learn the scale one box at a time and then link neighbouring boxes. Each diagram covers a five-fret window.
Position 1 (frets 0–4)
Position 2 (frets 2–6)
Position 3 (frets 4–8)
Position 4 (frets 7–11)
Position 5 (frets 9–13)
Position 6 (frets 10–14)
How to use the A Blues Scale
Blues, rock and jazz solos. Add the b5 as a passing note between the 4th and the 5th.
Practice tip. Do not park on the blue note. Use it as a passing tone and resolve to the 5th.
More Blues scales and related scales
FAQ
What are the notes of the A Blues Scale?
The A Blues Scale contains A, C, D, Eb, E, G.
What is the A Blues Scale used for?
Blues is the minor pentatonic plus the "blue note" (b5). Use it for blues solos.
How many notes are in the Blues scale?
6 notes: A, C, D, Eb, E, G, then the root A again an octave higher.
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