Interactive piano keyboard showing Bb Blues scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The B♭ blues scale (B♭, D♭, E♭, E, F, A♭) is the standard blues key for trumpet, saxophone, and jazz ensemble playing. The blue note E creates the chromatic tension between E♭ and F that drives jazz and blues horn solos. B♭ blues is the foundation of jump blues, jazz blues, and big band arrangements.
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 Bb Blues are: Bbm, Dbm, Ebm, E, Fm, Abaug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Blues?
The B♭ blues scale (B♭, D♭, E♭, E, F, A♭) is the standard blues key for trumpet, saxophone, and jazz ensemble playing. The blue note E creates the chromatic tension between E♭ and F that drives jazz and blues horn solos. B♭ blues is the foundation of jump blues, jazz blues, and big band arrangements.
What notes are in the Bb Blues?
The Bb Blues contains the notes: Bb, Db, Eb, E, F, Ab. This is a 6-note scale starting from Bb.
How many chords does the Bb Blues have?
The Bb Blues produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bbm, Dbm, Ebm, E, Fm, Abaug.
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
Bb is at the 10 o'clock position. Related keys: F (dominant), Eb (subdominant), G (relative minor), C (supertonic), Ab (subtonic).