Discover The Power Of...The Blues Scale

Phil Capone deconstructs the Blues scale and reveals how the flattened 5th could revolutionise your approach to soloing and riff building.

- Phil Capone

The Blues scale (R- b3-4- b5-5- b7) is a six-note scale. It can also be viewed as the minor Pentatonic with an added flattened 5th interval, creating a passing note between the perfect 4th and 5th of the scale. While the flattened 5th works extremely well in this context, it can also be used as a melody note and hit squarely on the beat with no apologies. The purpose of this feature is to challenge your current perception of the flat 5 and explore the potential of the flattened 5th in all of its potential roles: as a passing note, a melody note or a chromatic approach note. The various styles and harmonic scenarios that you will hear the flattened fifth presented in are testament to its importance and versatility; ignore it at your peril!