C blues scale on guitar
The C blues scale has 6 notes: C, E♭, F, G♭, G and B♭. 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 C 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.
C blues across the neck
Every C blues note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, C. A good place to start: C on the A string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Root |
| ♭3 | E♭ | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | F | Perfect 4th |
| ♭5 | G♭ | Flat 5th |
| 5 | G | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | B♭ | Minor 7th |
Chords to play C blues over
The C blues scale fits the main chords of the C minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in C: C7, F7, G7.
Related scales
- Take away the ♭5 and you are back to C minor pentatonic.
- Over a twelve-bar blues in C, players often mix it with C major pentatonic for a sweeter sound.
Questions
What notes are in the C blues scale?
C, E♭, F, G♭, G, B♭. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the C blues scale on guitar?
C on the A string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every C blues note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to C blues?
Take away the ♭5 and you are back to C minor pentatonic.
More scales
Blues in every key
Other scales from C