Interactive piano keyboard showing A Blues scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The A blues scale (A, C, D, E♭, E, G) is a cornerstone of blues and rock guitar, with open-string voicings that make it one of the most accessible and expressive blues keys. The blue note E♭ adds the crying tension between D and E that defines blues phrasing. A blues is essential for everything from Delta blues to modern rock.
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.
The diatonic chords in A Blues are: Am, Cm, Dm, D#, Em, Gaug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Blues?
The A blues scale (A, C, D, E♭, E, G) is a cornerstone of blues and rock guitar, with open-string voicings that make it one of the most accessible and expressive blues keys. The blue note E♭ adds the crying tension between D and E that defines blues phrasing. A blues is essential for everything from Delta blues to modern rock.
What notes are in the A Blues?
The A Blues contains the notes: A, C, D, D#, E, G. This is a 6-note scale starting from A.
How many chords does the A Blues have?
The A Blues produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Am, Cm, Dm, D#, Em, Gaug.
What is the formula for the Blues?
The Blues follows the interval formula: W+H-W-H-H-W+H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
A is at the 3 o'clock position. Related keys: E (dominant), D (subdominant), F# (relative minor), B (supertonic), G (subtonic).