E blues scale on guitar
The E blues scale has 6 notes: E, G, A, B♭, B and D. 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 E 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.
E blues across the neck
Every E blues note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, E. A good place to start: E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3), then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Root |
| ♭3 | G | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | Perfect 4th |
| ♭5 | B♭ | Flat 5th |
| 5 | B | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | D | Minor 7th |
Chords to play E blues over
The E blues scale fits the main chords of the E minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in E: E7, A7, B7.
Related scales
- Take away the ♭5 and you are back to E minor pentatonic.
- Over a twelve-bar blues in E, players often mix it with E major pentatonic for a sweeter sound.
Questions
What notes are in the E blues scale?
E, G, A, B♭, B, D. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the E blues scale on guitar?
E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3). The fretboard map on this page shows every E blues note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to E blues?
Take away the ♭5 and you are back to E minor pentatonic.
More scales
Blues in every key
Other scales from E