Interactive piano keyboard showing C Blues scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The C blues scale (C, E♭, F, G♭, G, B♭) adds the "blue note" G♭ to the C minor pentatonic, creating six notes of pure emotional expression. This single tritone transforms simple five-note phrases into vocal-like lines that wail, bend, and resolve with deep feeling. C blues is a foundation key for jazz, R&B, and rock balladry.
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 C Blues are: Cm, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Gm, Bbaug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Blues?
The C blues scale (C, E♭, F, G♭, G, B♭) adds the "blue note" G♭ to the C minor pentatonic, creating six notes of pure emotional expression. This single tritone transforms simple five-note phrases into vocal-like lines that wail, bend, and resolve with deep feeling. C blues is a foundation key for jazz, R&B, and rock balladry.
What notes are in the C Blues?
The C Blues 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 have?
The C Blues produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cm, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Gm, Bbaug.
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
C is at the 12 o'clock position. Related keys: G (dominant), F (subdominant), A (relative minor), D (supertonic), Bb (subtonic).