B blues scale on guitar
The B blues scale has 6 notes: B, D, E, F, F♯ and A. The minor pentatonic with one extra note, the flat 5th (the “blue note”). Use it as a passing note between the 4th and 5th for that instantly bluesy sound.
Notes in B blues
- Formula
- 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W+H – W – H – H – W+H – W
- Notes
- 6
Tap a note to hear it.
B blues across the neck
Every B blues note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, B. A good place to start: B on the low E string is at fret 7, so play the notes between frets 6 and 10 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from B |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Root |
| ♭3 | D | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | E | Perfect 4th |
| ♭5 | F | Flat 5th |
| 5 | F♯ | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | A | Minor 7th |
Chords to play B blues over
The B blues scale fits the main chords of the B minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in B: B7, E7, F♯7.
Related scales
- Take away the ♭5 and you are back to B minor pentatonic.
- Over a twelve-bar blues in B, players often mix it with B major pentatonic for a sweeter sound.
Questions
What notes are in the B blues scale?
B, D, E, F, F♯, A. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the B blues scale on guitar?
B on the low E string is at fret 7, so play the notes between frets 6 and 10 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every B blues note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to B blues?
Take away the ♭5 and you are back to B minor pentatonic.
More scales
Blues in every key
Other scales from B