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 4, so play the notes between frets 3 and 7 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♯: C♯7, F♯7, G♯7.
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 D♭ 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 4, so play the notes between frets 3 and 7 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♯