Explore scales · Bass
A blues minor scale on bass guitar
A blues minor runs A, C, D, E♭, E, G with a 1½, W, H, H, 1½, W step pattern. Box 1 places the root at string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A blues minor scale on bass?
A blues minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 1, 2 | D, E♭, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A blues minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6, 7 | D, E♭, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
A blues minor in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11, 12 | D, E♭, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 12 | G |
Why it sounds like that
A blues minor adds the ♭5 (E♭) to A minor pentatonic, creating the six-note blues scale. The ♭5 sits between the 4 (D) and 5 (E) as a passing tone. This scale is a minor pentatonic with one chromatic addition, not a mode of the major scale.
When to use it
A blues minor fits A minor and A 5th chords in blues, rock, and funk. Use it over A minor progressions when the ♭5 adds tension. The scale also works over C major for a bluesy colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 5, and the range covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the ♭5.
Common questions
What notes are in A blues minor?
A blues minor contains A, C, D, E♭, E, and G. The E♭ is the ♭5, also called the blue note. The scale spans one octave from A to A.
Which chords does A blues minor fit?
A blues minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. The ♭5 creates tension that resolves to the 4 or 5. Use it over dominant seventh chords for a blues sound.
How does A blues minor differ from A minor pentatonic?
A blues minor adds the ♭5 (E♭) to A minor pentatonic. The pentatonic has five notes; the blues scale has six. The extra note is a passing tone between D and E.