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