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