Minor Blues Scale (E Shape)

The Formula of the Scale

The Minor Blues scale is a six-note scale that adds an extra note to the Minor Pentatonic scale, known as the “blue note.” This blue note gives the scale its distinctive bluesy sound. The formula for the Minor Blues scale in terms of intervals is as follows:

• Root (R)
• Minor 3rd (b3)
• Perfect 4th (4)
• Diminished 5th (b5)
• Perfect 5th (5)
• Minor 7th (b7)

For the G Minor Blues scale, the notes are:

• G (R)
• Bb (b3)
• C (4)
• Db (b5)
• D (5)
• F (b7)

These notes form the core of the G Minor Blues scale, and we will explore this scale around the E shape of the CAGED system, rooted on the third fret of the E string.

How to Play the Scale

Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing the G Minor Blues scale in the E shape position of the CAGED system, starting from the 3rd fret of the E string:

E String:

• 3rd fret (G) – (R)
• 6th fret (Bb) – (b3)

A String:

• 3rd fret (C) – (4)
• 4th fret (Db) – (b5)
• 5th fret (D) – (5)

D String:

• 3rd fret (F) – (b7)
• 5th fret (G) – (R)

G String:

• 3rd fret (Bb) – (b3)
• 5th fret (C) – (4)
• 6th fret (Db) -(b5)

B String:

• 3rd fret (D) – (5)
• 6th fret (F) – (b7)

High E String:

• 3rd fret (G) – (R)
• 6th fret (Bb) – (b3)

Place your fingers as follows:

E String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (G)
• Little finger on the 6th fret (Bb)

A String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (C)
• Middle finger on the 4th fret (Db)
• Ring finger on the 5th fret (D)

D String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (F)
• Ring finger on the 5th fret (G)

G String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (Bb)
• Ring finger on the 5th fret (C)
• Little finger on the 6th fret (Db)

B String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (D)
• Little finger on the 6th fret (F)

High E String:

• Index finger on the 3rd fret (G)
• Ring finger on the 6th fret (Bb)

Scale Visualisation

Here is the tablature for the G Minor Blues scale in the E shape position of the CAGED system:

e|-------------------------------3--6--|
B|--------------------------3--6-------|
G|--------------------3--5-------------|
D|--------------3--5-------------------|
A|------3--4--5------------------------|
E|-3--6--------------------------------|