Explore scales · Bass
D blues minor scale on bass guitar
D blues minor runs D, F, G, A♭, A, C with a 1½, W, H, H, 1½, W step pattern. Box 1 places the root at string 3, fret 5 and covers frets 3–6.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7
How do you play the D blues minor scale on bass?
D blues minor in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5, 6 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5 | C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D blues minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6, 7 | G, A♭, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D blues minor in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 13 | D, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11, 12 | G, A♭, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12, 13 | F, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
D blues minor adds the ♭5 (A♭) to D minor pentatonic, creating the six-note blues scale. The ♭5 sits between the 4 (G) and 5 (A) 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
D blues minor fits D minor and D 5th chords in blues, rock, and funk. Use it over D minor progressions when the ♭5 adds tension. The scale also works over F major for a bluesy colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 5, and the range covers frets 3–6 for easy access to the ♭5.
Common questions
What notes are in D blues minor?
D blues minor contains D, F, G, A♭, A, and C. The A♭ is the ♭5, also called the blue note. The scale spans one octave from D to D.
Which chords does D blues minor fit?
D blues minor fits D minor and D 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 D blues minor differ from D minor pentatonic?
D blues minor adds the ♭5 (A♭) to D minor pentatonic. The pentatonic has five notes; the blues scale has six. The extra note is a passing tone between G and A.