Sweet Music

  Depiction of the Blues Scale by ArtByAdam The blues scale, particularly associated with Robert Johnson and other blues musicians, is a modification of the minor pentatonic scale with the addition of a flattened fifth, often referred to as the "blue note." This note adds a distinct dissonance or "bluesy" feel to the scale. Intervals of the Blues Scale In the context of a minor blues scale, the intervals are as follows: 1. Root to Flat 3rd: Minor 3rd (one and a half steps) 2. Flat 3rd to 4th: Major 2nd (whole step) 3. 4th to Flat 5th (Blue Note): Minor 2nd (half step) 4. Flat 5th to 5th: Minor 2nd (half step) 5. 5th to Flat 7th: Major 2nd (whole step) 6. Flat 7th to Octave (Root): Minor 3rd (one and a half steps) In the Key of C For example, in the key of C, the notes of the C blues scale would be: C (root), Eb (flat 3rd), F (4th), Gb (flat 5th/blue note), G (5th), Bb (flat 7th), C (octave/root). Characteristic Sound The addition of the blue note (flat 5th) to the m...