D blues scale on guitar
The D blues scale has 6 notes: D, F, G, A♭, A and C. 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 D 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.
D blues across the neck
Every D blues note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, D. A good place to start: D on the A string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from D |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | Root |
| ♭3 | F | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | G | Perfect 4th |
| ♭5 | A♭ | Flat 5th |
| 5 | A | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | C | Minor 7th |
Chords to play D blues over
The D blues scale fits the main chords of the D minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in D: D7, G7, A7.
Related scales
- Take away the ♭5 and you are back to D minor pentatonic.
- Over a twelve-bar blues in D, players often mix it with D major pentatonic for a sweeter sound.
Questions
What notes are in the D blues scale?
D, F, G, A♭, A, C. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the D blues scale on guitar?
D on the A string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every D blues note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to D blues?
Take away the ♭5 and you are back to D minor pentatonic.
More scales
Blues in every key
Other scales from D