What is the blues guitar scale?
The blues guitar scale is a six-note scale that adds a chromatic "blue note" to the minor pentatonic scale. It's essential for creating the characteristic sound of blues music. In A, it goes: A, C, D, D#/Eb, E, G. This scale is crucial for soloing over blues chord progressions.
Hey there, blues enthusiasts! Today we're gonna dive into the heart and soul of blues guitar - the scales that'll make your axe sing and cry. I've been teaching these licks for decades, and let me tell you, once you get these scales under your fingers, you'll be speaking the language of the blues.
1. The Minor Pentatonic Blues Scale: Your New Best Friend
First up, we've got the minor pentatonic scale. This scale is the foundation of blues lead guitar, and it's gonna be your go-to scale for soloing over those bluesy chord progressions.
It's a five-note scale, and in the key of A, it goes like this:
Now, I want you to think of this scale as your home base. When you're soloing over blues man chord progressions, this scale is gonna work 99% of the time. It's like having a cheat code for the blues!
Getting down to the minor blues scale
I remember when I first started playing, I'd use this scale over every 12-bar blues I could find. And you know what? It always sounded good. That's the magic of the minor pentatonic.
Here's a tip from an old blues dog: Start by learning this scale in the first position. Get it under your fingers. Then, put on a backing track in A blues and start experimenting. Don't worry about making mistakes - that's how you learn!
2. The Blues Scale: Adding Some Grit
Once you've got the minor pentatonic down, it's time to add a little spice to your playing. That's where the blues scale comes in.
The blues scale is basically the minor pentatonic with one extra note - the diminished fifth, or what we call the "blue note". In A, it looks like this:
That D#/Eb is your ticket to blues town. It's what gives blues its characteristic sound. When you're playing over blues man chords, try bending up to that blue note from the fourth (D in our A blues scale). It'll make your guitar weep!
I had a student once who just couldn't get that authentic blues sound. I showed him how to use this blue note, and suddenly, it was like a light bulb went off. His playing went from sounding like scales to sounding like the blues. That's the power of this little note.
3. The Major Pentatonic Scale: The Bright Side of Blues Scales
Now, most folks think the blues is all about being, well, blue. But sometimes, you need to add a little sunshine to your playing. That's where the major pentatonic comes in.
The major pentatonic goes like this:
This scale is great for playing over the I chord in a blues progression. It's got a brighter, happier sound than the minor pentatonic. Try alternating between the major and minor pentatonic scales in your solos - it'll add a whole new dimension to your playing.
How important are blues scales guitar techniques?
Remember, the blues isn't just about playing the right notes - it's about feeling those notes in your soul. These scales are your pathway to expressing yourself through your guitar.
Practice these scales, experiment with them, and most importantly, have fun with them. Before you know it, you'll be playing those blues man chords and scales like you've been doing it all your life.
Now, grab that guitar and start practicing. The blues are waiting for you!
What scales are used in blues guitar?
In blues guitar, the most commonly used scales are the blues scale, minor blues scale, and major blues scale. These scales provide the foundation for both traditional and modern blues playing, allowing guitarists to create expressive solos and riffs.
What are the 12 blues scales?
The 12 blues scales refer to the blues scale in each of the 12 musical keys. Each scale follows the same interval pattern and can be transposed to any key, making it a versatile tool for blues guitarists.
What is the best sounding blues scale?
The "best" sounding blues scale is subjective, but the minor blues scale is often favored for its rich, expressive quality. It is effective in creating tension and resolution, key elements in blues music.
What is the most important blues scale?
The minor blues scale is considered the most important due to its widespread use and versatility. It forms the backbone of many blues solos and is essential for creating the characteristic sound of blues music.
What is the easiest blues scale to play?
The minor pentatonic scale is often regarded as the easiest blues scale to play. It is the foundation of the minor blues scale and is used extensively in blues guitar.
What is the formula for the blues scale?
The formula for the blues scale is based on the minor pentatonic scale with an added flat fifth. The intervals are as follows: root, minor third, fourth, flat fifth, fifth, and minor seventh.
What is the traditional blues scale?
The traditional blues scale is the minor blues scale, which includes the notes from the minor pentatonic scale plus the flat fifth (blue note).
What is the most common blues key?
The most common blues key is E, particularly for guitarists, as it allows for open string resonance and is comfortable for playing blues scale guitar patterns.
How do you finger blues scale?
Fingering the blues scale on the guitar involves using specific patterns that are derived from the pentatonic scale. Practicing these patterns across the fretboard helps in mastering the blues scale and improving improvisational skills.