Play Soulful Phrases with the Blues Scale

What is the Blues Scale?

The blues scale adds the "blue note" (♭5th) to the minor pentatonic, creating a 6-note scale. This single added note creates the distinctive "crying" or "wailing" sound.

It's an extremely expressive scale used in blues, rock, jazz, funk, and many other genres.

Blues Scale Structure

By adding the ♭5th to the minor pentatonic (1-♭3-4-5-♭7), you create the blues scale. This ♭5th is the "blue note" - a crucial tone that creates unique tension and melancholy.

The Magic of the Blue Note

The blue note (♭5th) shows its true value when combined with various techniques:

1. Bending

Quarter-bend from ♭5th to 5th, or bending from 4th to ♭5th, are classic blues guitar techniques. This "in-between" pitch creates vocal-like expression.

2. Hammer-on/Pull-off

Connecting 4th → ♭5th → 5th with hammer-ons and pull-offs creates smooth, expressive phrases. A signature move of B.B. King and Eric Clapton.

3. Slide

Sliding into or out of the blue note adds a "singing" quality to your playing.

Classic Phrase Patterns

Application to Major Blues

Though the blues scale is minor-based, it works over major key blues progressions. This "playing minor scale over major chords" creates the distinctive blues sound.

Advanced players freely move between minor pentatonic, major pentatonic, and blues scale to construct more complex and expressive solos.

Practice Tips

• First, master the minor pentatonic perfectly
• Learn the blue note location in each position
• Use the blue note as a "passing tone" (don't hold it long)
• Copy famous blues guitarists' phrases to learn application
• Practice with 12-bar blues backing tracks
• Develop expressive bending and vibrato

Recommended Guitarists to Study

Summary

The blues scale dramatically expands your expression with just one added note. After mastering pentatonic, definitely try the blues scale. Once you can use this scale well, your guitar solos will definitely reach the next level.