Explore scales · Ukulele
A blues minor scale on ukulele
A blues minor contains A, C, D, E♭, E, and G. Box 1 puts the root at string 4, fret 2 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A blues minor scale on ukulele?
A blues minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A blues minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 5 | A, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 4 | D, E♭, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A blues minor in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 7 | E, G |
| 2 (E) | 5 | A |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 7 | D, E♭, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A blues minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 9 | D, E♭, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A blues minor in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 12 | A, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11, 12 | D, E♭, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A blues minor adds the ♭5 E♭ to A minor pentatonic. The scale degrees are 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, and ♭7. The ♭5 sits between the 4 and 5, creating the blues tension. Use it over A minor and A 5th chords.
When to use it
A blues minor works over A minor and A 5th chords. It fits blues, rock, and funk progressions in A. Try it over A minor and A 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 and keeps the root on string 4, fret 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A blues minor?
A blues minor contains A, C, D, E♭, E, and G. The scale degrees are 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, and ♭7. The ♭5 E♭ is the blue note.
Which chords fit A blues minor?
A blues minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. The scale contains the chord tones of A minor. The ♭5 adds tension over the 5th chord.
How do I practice A blues minor?
Start with Box 1 and play the notes ascending and descending. Use a metronome and gradually increase the tempo. Slide between E♭ and E to hear the blues sound.