The Blues Scale Formula: Theory & Diagrams

The blues scale formula is a fundamental concept every piano player should know. This sassy scale lets you riff, solo, and improvise as you play your favorite rock or blues songs! 

The major blues scale formula is 1 – 2 – ♭3 – ♮3 – 5 – 6. Which means the C major blues scale consists of the notes C – D – E♭ – E♮ – G – A. The minor blues scale formula is 1 – ♭3 – 4 – ♭5 – 5 – ♭7, so the C minor blues scale has the notes C – E♭ – F – G♭ – G – B♭.

In this lesson, we’ll explain the theory behind the blues scale formula and show you all the major and minor blues scales in all 12 keys.

Major Blues Scale Formula & Theory

The major blues scale formula is 1 – 2 – ♭3 – ♮3 – 5 – 6. Which means the C major blues scale consists of the notes C – D – E♭ – E♮ – G – A. 

Every Major Blues Scale

Here are all the major blues scales in all 12 keys:

Other Ways to Understand the Major Blues Scale

Another way to remember the major blues scale formula is as a series of steps: whole step – half step – half step – minor 3rd (3 half steps) – whole step.

If you know the major pentatonic scale formula, you can also think of the major blues scale formula as the same thing except we flat the third and repeat it as a natural note. The flatted third is our blue note.

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Minor Blues Scale Formula & Theory

The minor blues scale is more common than the major blues. Chances are, if someone says “play a blues scale,” what they’re referring to is the minor blues scale.

The minor blues scale formula is 1 – ♭3 – 4 – ♭5 – 5 – ♭7, so the C minor blues scale has the notes C -E♭ – F – G♭ – G – B♭. (Note that the blues scale formula is based on the major scale.)

Every Minor Blues Scale

Here are all the minor blues scales in all 12 keys:

Other Ways to Understand the Minor Blues Scale

Another way to remember the minor blues scale formula as a series of steps: minor 3rd (3 half steps) – whole step – half step – half step – minor 3rd.

If you know the minor pentatonic scale formula, you can also think of the minor blues scale formula as the same thing except we add a flatted fifth. This fifth is our blue note.

More About Blues Scales

For fun, try playing the notes of this scale in any order over a I-IV-V progression. For example, if you’re playing a major blues scale starting on A, you’d play Amaj (I), Dmaj (IV), and Emaj (V) in your left hand while playing notes from the A major blues scale in your right. It will sound awesome!

To learn more about the blues scale and how to incorporate it into your playing, check out our full lesson on how to master the blues scale on piano.

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