Bb

Blues Scale

(Originally A#)

Note: A# MinorBb Minor

A# Major contains double sharps (C##, F##) and is rarely used in practice

Bb Major is the standard key with 2 flats, very common in wind instruments and jazz.

Scale Notes

Bb1+0 semitones
Db2+3 semitones
Eb3+5 semitones
E4+6 semitones
F5+7 semitones
Ab6+10 semitones

Scale Information

Root NoteBb
(from A#)
Scale TypeBlues Scale
CategoryBluesNumber of Notes6

Interval Pattern

Semitones: 0 - 3 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 10
Pattern repeats every octave (12 semitones)
A#0
B1
C2
C#3
D4
D#5
E6
F7
F#8
G9
G#10
A11
← Scroll horizontally to see all notes →
Understanding the Pattern: The numbers above show the interval distances between scale notes in semitones (half-steps). The highlighted notes like this are the notes that belong to this scale. This pattern can be moved to any starting note to create the same scale in different keys - that's how scales work across all 12 keys!

Scale Overview

Description

Minor pentatonic with added flat 5th (blue note)

Musical Context

This blues scale contains 6 notes and is commonly used in Jazz and Wind instruments music. This scale requires some musical experience to master effectively.

Characteristics
BluesyExpressiveSoulfulGritty

Practice Guide

Key Signature

2 flats (Bb, Eb)

Bb - Db - Eb - E - F - Ab

Difficulty Level

IntermediateCircle of Fifths

Very popular in jazz and wind instruments (trumpet, clarinet)

Common Genres

JazzWind instrumentsClassicalBrass
Common Uses
Blues
Jazz
Rock
Soul music
Practice Tips
  • • Practice ascending and descending patterns
  • • Try different rhythmic variations
  • • Experiment with skipping notes (thirds, fourths)
  • • Use as a basis for improvisation