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