Interactive piano keyboard showing B Blues scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The B blues scale (B, D, E, F, F♯, A) is a bright, intense blues scale used in rock, blues-rock, and progressive music. The blue note F adds chromatic expression between E and F♯ for dramatic, high-energy solos. B blues is popular with rock guitarists for its driving, aggressive character.
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 B Blues are: Bm, Dm, Em, F, F#m, Aaug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Blues?
The B blues scale (B, D, E, F, F♯, A) is a bright, intense blues scale used in rock, blues-rock, and progressive music. The blue note F adds chromatic expression between E and F♯ for dramatic, high-energy solos. B blues is popular with rock guitarists for its driving, aggressive character.
What notes are in the B Blues?
The B Blues contains the notes: B, D, E, F, F#, A. This is a 6-note scale starting from B.
How many chords does the B Blues have?
The B Blues produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bm, Dm, Em, F, F#m, Aaug.
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
B is at the 5 o'clock position. Related keys: F# (dominant), E (subdominant), Ab (relative minor), C# (supertonic), A (subtonic).