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