theory from Frank Singer.comMajor Blues scales | print this page | close this window |

Major Blues scales are six-note scales. The major-blues scale conforms to the following scale formula:

scale degree [ formula ] 1 2 #2 / b3 3 5 6
solfege syllable do re ri / me mi sol la
key of C [ C major blues ] C D D# / Eb E G A

The major-blues scale contains the root, third and fifth of the major triad (1-3-5), and all four chord-tones of the major-sixth chord (1-3-5-6). Of the additional tones, scale-degree two is the simple-interval equivalent of tension nine, which is available as a tension on most major triads, all major-sixth chords, all major-seventh chords, and many seventh chords, depending on function. Scale-degree #2 / b3 is the major-blues scale equivalent of the blue note in the Blues scale.
This note functions most typically as a chromatic approach from below to the third of the chord or key, and as a chromatic pseudo passing-tone between the ninth and third of the chord or key, very typical sounds in music-styles such as country, western-swing, and bluegrass.
The table below shows many of the applications for this scale.

*NOTE: Major Blues scales and Major Pentatonic scales are virtually always compatible; where one works, so will the other. The overlay relationships are more sensitive. Experimentation is recommended.

Major Blues scale applications
By Chord Major Triad [most functions]
Major-Sixth chord
Major-Seventh chord
Seventh chords [with natural-nine / natural-thirteen]		 1 - {#2[ch app]} - 3 - 5 - 6/13 - 9 - {#9[tens]}
By Key Modal IONIAN
MIXOLYDIAN
Overlay
[ by chord ]
ALL EXAMPLES SHOWN IN C		 CHORD MAJOR PENTATONIC SCALE RELATIVE FORMULA
FIRST EXTENSION [ from 3rd ]
Cm7 Eb major-blues b3 - 4 - [#4][b5][ch to 5] - 5 - b7 - 1
FIRST EXTENSION [ from 4th ]
C7sus4 F major-blues 4 - 5 - [b13][#19][part of EWSSA to 5] - 13 - 1 - 9
SECOND EXTENSION [ from 5th ]
Cmaj7 G major-blues 5 - 6/13 - [b21][ch to 7] - 7 - 9 - 3
Cm7b5 Gb major-blues b5 - b13 - [13][bb21][ch to b7] - b7 - b9 - b3
THIRD EXTENSION [ from 7th ]
C7sus4 Bb major-blues b7 - 1 - [b9][#15][part of EWSSA to 1] - 9 - 4 - 5
TENSION EXTENSIONS
Cmaj7 D major-blues 9 - 3 - [4][#17][part of EWSSA to 3] - #11 - 13 - 7
Cm7 F major-blues 11 - 5 - [#5][#19][part of EWSSA to 5] - 13 - 1 - 9

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