G blues scale on guitar
The G blues scale has 6 notes: G, B♭, C, D♭, D and F. 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 G 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.
G blues across the neck
Every G blues note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, G. A good place to start: G on the low E 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 G |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | Root |
| ♭3 | B♭ | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | C | Perfect 4th |
| ♭5 | D♭ | Flat 5th |
| 5 | D | Perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | F | Minor 7th |
Chords to play G blues over
The G blues scale fits the main chords of the G minor key:
It is also the classic choice over a twelve-bar blues in G: G7, C7, D7.
Related scales
- Take away the ♭5 and you are back to G minor pentatonic.
- Over a twelve-bar blues in G, players often mix it with G major pentatonic for a sweeter sound.
Questions
What notes are in the G blues scale?
G, B♭, C, D♭, D, F. Its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Where do I start the G blues scale on guitar?
G on the low E string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every G blues note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to G blues?
Take away the ♭5 and you are back to G minor pentatonic.
More scales
Blues in every key
Other scales from G