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