The blues scale is a six-note (hexatonic) scale derived from the minor pentatonic scale with an added "blue note," which gives it a distinctive expressive quality. It originated in African American blues music and is widely used in blues, jazz, rock, and other genres to convey emotion and soul.
- Origin: African American blues music
- Structure: Minor pentatonic + blue note
- Usage: Blues, jazz, rock, and more
The blues scale is derived from the minor pentatonic scale with an added blue note.
The blues scale is primarily used in blues, jazz, and rock music.
Structure and Formula
The blues scale consists of 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7.
The blues scale is constructed by adding a blue note (diminished 5th or augmented 4th) to the minor pentatonic scale. Its formula in semitones from the root is:
1 (root) - b3 (minor third) - 4 (perfect fourth) - b5 (diminished fifth/blue note) - 5 (perfect fifth) - b7 (minor seventh)
- Minor pentatonic base: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7
- Blue note added: b5
The 'blue note' is the diminished fifth (b5), added to the minor pentatonic scale.
Example: A Blues Scale
In A, the blues scale notes are:
A (1) - C (b3) - D (4) - Eb (b5) - E (5) - G (b7)
Eb is the 'blue note' (b5) in the A blues scale.
Musical Effect and Usage
The blues scale conveys expressive, soulful, and sometimes melancholy emotions.
The blues scale is prized for its expressive, soulful, and sometimes melancholy sound, making it ideal for improvisation and adding emotional depth.
- Conveys raw emotion and “soul”
- Used in improvisation and solos for an authentic blues feel
The blues scale is frequently used for improvisation, soloing, and riffs in popular music contexts.
Conclusion
The blues scale is a powerful tool for musicians seeking to evoke strong emotions and add a quintessential "bluesy" flavor to their music. Its unique combination of familiar and “blue” notes makes it both versatile and instantly recognizable across multiple genres.
- Origins: African American blues music
- Structure: Minor pentatonic + blue note (b5)
- Emotional impact: Expressive, soulful, and ideal for improvisation
The blues scale consists of 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7.
The blues scale is derived from the minor pentatonic scale with an added blue note.
The blues scale is primarily used in blues, jazz, and rock music.