Explore scales · Bass
B blues minor scale on bass guitar
B blues minor runs B, D, E, F, F♯, A with a 1½, W, H, H, 1½, W step pattern. Box 1 places the root at string 3, fret 2 and covers frets 0–3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7
How do you play the B blues minor scale on bass?
B 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 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 2 | E, F, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 2 | A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B blues minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3, 4 | E, F, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B blues minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 9 | E, F, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
B blues minor adds the ♭5 (F) to B minor pentatonic, creating the six-note blues scale. The ♭5 sits between the 4 (E) and 5 (F♯) 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
B blues minor fits B minor and B 5th chords in blues, rock, and funk. Use it over B minor progressions when the ♭5 adds tension. The scale also works over D major for a bluesy colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 2, and the range covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the ♭5.
Common questions
What notes are in B blues minor?
B blues minor contains B, D, E, F, F♯, and A. The F is the ♭5, also called the blue note. The scale spans one octave from B to B.
Which chords does B blues minor fit?
B blues minor fits B minor and B 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 B blues minor differ from B minor pentatonic?
B blues minor adds the ♭5 (F) to B minor pentatonic. The pentatonic has five notes; the blues scale has six. The extra note is a passing tone between E and F♯.