Piano scale
F Blues Scale
The F Blues Scale has 6 notes: F – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – C – E♭.
- F1
- A♭2
- B♭3
- C♭4
- C5
- E♭6
Notes of the F Blues Scale
| Degree | Notes | Intervals | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | Root | 1 |
| 2 | A♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| 3 | B♭ | Perfect 4th | 4 |
| 4 | C♭ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| 5 | C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| 6 | E♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
Step pattern
W+H – W – H – H – W+H – W
From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: W+H – W – H – H – W+H – W.
W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones
Sound and character
Add one chromatic 'blue note' (the ♭5) to the minor pentatonic and you have the heart of American music — gritty, soulful, and deeply human.
Sound: Gritty & soulful
How to use it
Improvise with it over a 12-bar blues. Slide from the blue note into the 5th — that half-step crush is the signature blues sound.
Chords, key signature and progressions: F Minor key
Songs that use it
- Johnny B. Goode · Chuck BerryRock
- The Thrill Is Gone · B.B. KingBlues
- Cross Road Blues · Robert JohnsonBlues
Play the F Blues Scale with different sounds in the interactive builder.
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