Interactive piano keyboard showing D Blues scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
The D blues scale (D, F, G, A♭, A, C) is a staple of electric blues and rock, with the blue note A♭ adding soulful tension between G and A. Blues guitarists use D blues extensively for its deep, rich character on both acoustic and electric. It works naturally over 12-bar blues progressions in D.
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 D Blues are: Dm, Fm, Gm, Ab, Am, Caug. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Blues?
The D blues scale (D, F, G, A♭, A, C) is a staple of electric blues and rock, with the blue note A♭ adding soulful tension between G and A. Blues guitarists use D blues extensively for its deep, rich character on both acoustic and electric. It works naturally over 12-bar blues progressions in D.
What notes are in the D Blues?
The D Blues contains the notes: D, F, G, Ab, A, C. This is a 6-note scale starting from D.
How many chords does the D Blues have?
The D Blues produces 6 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Dm, Fm, Gm, Ab, Am, Caug.
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
D is at the 2 o'clock position. Related keys: A (dominant), G (subdominant), B (relative minor), E (supertonic), C (subtonic).