Blues Piano Chords

The blues scale is a six-note scale that adds a characteristic "blue note" (flattened fifth) to the minor pentatonic scale. It follows the interval pattern: minor third, whole, half, half, minor third, whole (m3-W-H-H-m3-W), or 3-2-1-1-3-2 in semitones. This added diminished fifth creates the quintessential blues sound - that bent, plaintive quality that defines the genre. The blues scale is fundamental to blues, rock, jazz, and R&B, providing the gritty, expressive character essential to these styles. The blue note can be played as a passing tone or emphasized for maximum emotional effect, and the scale works over both major and minor chord progressions. Understanding the blues scale is crucial for authentic blues and rock improvisation.