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