The B Flat Blues Scale: Unlocking the Power of the Minor Pentatonic Scale

When it comes to playing the blues, one of the most important scales to master is the minor pentatonic scale. But what if you want to take your blues playing to the next level? That's where the minor blues scale comes in. In this article, we'll explore how to transform the minor pentatonic scale into the minor blues scale, and why it's a crucial tool for any blues musician.

To start with, let's talk about the minor pentatonic scale. This five-note scale is one of the most commonly used scales in music, and it's found in many different styles, from traditional twelve-bar Blues to Boogie-Woogie, Soul, RnB, Jazz, and Funk. The finger numbers for the minor pentatonic scale are notated beneath the notes, making it easy to learn and play.

So, how do you turn the minor pentatonic scale into the minor blues scale? It's surprisingly simple. All you need to do is add in the flat fifth scale degree. This adds an extra note to the scale, giving it a richer, more soulful sound.

The diagram below shows how to play the minor pentatonic scale from C on the piano. To transform this into the minor blues scale, simply add in the G♭, which is the flat fifth scale degree.

The reason why the minor pentatonic scale is so important is that it's somehow ingrained in the human subconscious. When people hear a five-note scale, they often think of the minor pentatonic scale first. In fact, if you randomly ask someone on the street to sing a five-note scale, chances are they'll sing the minor pentatonic scale.

The minor blues scale is a variation on the minor pentatonic scale with an added flat fifth scale degree. This gives it a powerful, soulful, and often melancholic timbre that's perfect for blues music. The major blues scale is also used in many styles of music, including traditional twelve-bar Blues, Boogie-Woogie, Soul, RnB, Jazz, and Funk.

So why are blues scales so common in music? One reason is that they're found all over the world, in music on the radio and classical music. Odds are when someone says to you 'play a blues scale', what they mean is play the minor version. So it's worth learning both the major and minor variations.

In conclusion, the B Flat Blues Scale is an essential tool for any musician looking to add some soul and depth to their playing. By mastering the minor pentatonic scale and adding in the flat fifth scale degree, you can create a powerful and emotive sound that's perfect for blues music. So why not give it a try? Start your piano journey now!

B flat blues scale