Chords in C Blues Scale

SoulfulTenseExpressive

The blues scale adds the characteristic “blue note” (flat 5th) to the minor pentatonic, creating the tension and release that defines blues, rock, and jazz soloing. From B.B. King to Eric Clapton, this six-note scale is the vocabulary of electric guitar. The related diatonic chords form the backbone of blues progressions.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

W+H-W-H-H-W+H-W

Semitones: 3-2-1-1-3-2

Key Signature

EbGbBb

3 flats

Explore

Blues Scale in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

Adding the flat 5th (the “blue note”) to minor pentatonic creates the characteristic tension-and-release of blues improvisation. This tritone is the single interval that gives the blues scale its soulful, crying quality.

Key intervals:♭5

Mode Family

Pentatonic & Blues

Simplified 5- and 6-note scales essential for rock, blues, and improvisation.

Notes:

CEbFGbGBb

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

Parent scaleMinor Pentatonic Scale 5 notes sharedNatural Minor Scale (Aeolian)5 notes sharedDorian Mode 5 notes sharedPhrygian Mode 5 notes sharedLocrian Mode

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

M3 ↑

EE Em

m3 ↓

AA Am

M3 ↓

AbAb Abm

Blues Scale scale FAQ

What chords are in C Blues Scale?

The diatonic chords in C Blues Scale are: Cm, Ebm, Fm, F#, Gm, Bbaug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Blues Scale?

The blues scale adds a flat 5th (the blue note) to the minor pentatonic scale. This single extra note creates the characteristic tension and release that defines blues, rock, and jazz improvisation.

What notes are in the C Blues Scale?

The C Blues Scale contains the notes: C, Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb. This is a 6-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Blues Scale have?

The C Blues Scale produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cm, Ebm, Fm, F#, Gm, Bbaug.

What is the formula for the Blues Scale?

The Blues Scale follows the interval formula: W+H-W-H-H-W+H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).