Blues Scale Theory Clarification

Prerequisite: Some familiarity with the Blues Scales. Let me say that this is not a 'how to create and use blues scales, or over what chords they're used, or the use of Blues Scales in tunes—that's coming soon.

Over the years I have come across tons or material teaching the Blues Scale. There are varying opinions where to start, what they're called, how they're fingered. etc. Some individuals even ad or detract notes from the scales—which might be misleading and confusing to the person learning the Blues Scales. In short; from the overly simplistic to overly complex. I hope to clear the confusion now except for the fingering which will be part of 'Learning the Blues Scales' post. (coming soon)

Ok... a student buys a book on the blues or a scales book and may see any one of the following configurations of a blues scale.





This configuration might be labeled the 'C Blues Scale'. Or, It might be called the
'C minor Blues Scale'.

Maybe this is what they'll come across first.





This configuration might also be labeled the 'C Blues Scale'. Or, it might be called the  'C major Blues Scale'.

Then what usually follows are instructions to learn them in all keys. The student now proceeds to learn 12 minor blues scales and 12 major, with all kinds of fingerings—thinking of them as separate entities. (not necessary as we'll soon see) Or, there are some examples of their use in playing the blues or how they can be used against various chords in other types of tunes.

What's very rarely mentioned is the fact that they (the major & minor blues scales) are related. That when looked at from a different perspective, they are actually the same—one scale, with the same fingering. When we know this, we only have to learn only 12. And for the hobbyist, 3 or four will suffice.

Let's see what I'm talking about: Take a look at the configuration of what some call the 'A' blues scale—or, 'A' minor blues scale below.





Do you know your basic scale theory regarding 'relative minors'? If yes, and we call the configuration of the above blues scale 'A minor', and you think of 'A' minor as the 'relative minor' of/to 'C' major, the magic begins. So, we understand the 'A' and 'C' are related, right?

If you do not know your 'relative scale' theory, just think either a 'step and a half up' from 'A', or a 'major 6th down from 'A' takes us to 'C'. So, we understand the 'A' and 'C' are related, right?

OK, take a look at the pic below. 1A is the 'A' minor configuration shown in the graphic above. 2B, the major blues configuration of 'C'; they're the same scale. We just bumped off the 'A', and begin playing from the 'C'—the relative major to 'A'. Of course, this works in reverse.

Or, if you began, or learned the blues scale in the major configura- tion, (C), you would just begin playing from a step and a half down, or a major sixth above, arriving at 'A'.

Marry up these two scales and think of them as one scale. You'll see the benefit in future posts on playing the blues.

Starting on 'A', just one scale - two in one.






Starting on 'C', just one scale - two in one.






LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT ANOTHER ONE.
2A is the 'C' minor blues scale configuration. Follow the above explanation and you arrive at the 'Eb' major blues scale... or, the opposite.

Or, if you began, or learned the blues scale in the major configura- tion, (Eb), you would just begin playing from a step and a half down, or a major sixth above, arriving at 'C'.

Again, marry up these two scales and think of them as one scale.

Please remember so there's no confusion. This is not about how they're used in tunes or what chords they fit. That will depend on other factors; what key are we in, chord quality etc. (All for future posts).

If I was put into a corner and forced to say what the most common vernacular musicians and teachers use regarding the blues scales; I would say that when hear or read the words, "hey, play a 'C' blues scale here", the minor configuration is what is meant.

And if just the minor form is mastered, you will automatically know all the major forms. (a major 6th below or minor 3rd above) So when you study various periodicals that may refer to the major form, or talk to musicians who use major form vernacular for various reasons of there own, (theoretical or personal) you will have a clear understanding and easier way to know the scale.

Here are the more common blues scales that should be married up.... two in one.
E minor blues scale / G major blues scale
A minor blues scale / C major blues scale
D minor blues scale / F major blues scale
G minor blues scale / Bb major blues scale
C minor blues scale / Eb major blues scale

If you have any questions, either use the 'comment' link below or feel free to contact me personally. If I could help you further or solve any confusion, I'll do my best.

And as usual. there will be complete Piano Blues Booklets covering various blues subjects in depth sometime in the near future.