E Major Blues Scale
E-F♯-G-G♯-B-C♯
Formula:W-H-H-A-W-A
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-M3-P5-M6
Introduction
E Major Blues Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | F♯ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | G | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G♯ | M3 |
| 5 | Dominant | B | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | C♯ | M6 |
Key Signature
The key of E Major Blues has 4 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of E Major Blues Scale
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E Major Blues Scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — E Major (major)
E Major Blues Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Major Blues Scale?
The E Major Blues Scale has six notes: E F# G# A# B C# (plus the octave). It is the E Major Pentatonic Scale with one added note — the b3 (blue note). This extra note gives the major blues scale its characteristic warm, soulful quality while retaining the major scale's brightness.
What is the blue note in the E Major Blues Scale?
The blue note in the major blues scale is the b3 — a flatted third that sits between the 2nd and major 3rd. It creates a slight tension against the major tonality, adding expressiveness and colour without fully moving into minor territory.
How does the E Major Blues Scale differ from the E Minor Blues Scale?
The major blues scale (E F# G# A# B C#) is brighter and more resolved-sounding than the minor blues scale (E G A Bb B D). The major blues works best over major chords and major-key progressions, while the minor blues suits minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues contexts.
What music uses the E Major Blues Scale?
Major blues scales are common in country, folk-blues, classic rock, and gospel music. They give melodies a warm, soulful quality over major-key chord progressions. Artists like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and B.B. King frequently used major blues scales alongside minor blues.
Can I use both E Major Blues Scale and E Minor Blues together?
Yes — mixing major and minor blues scales is a core technique in blues and rock improvisation. This creates the "major/minor ambiguity" that gives blues its expressive depth. A common approach: use minor blues for the I and IV chords, shift to major blues for melodic phrases over the I chord.
How do I practise the E Major Blues Scale?
Start with the E Major Pentatonic (which you may already know) and add the b3 as a passing tone. Practice using it as a brief ornament rather than a landing note. Improvise slowly over a E Major chord, using the major 3rd as your primary landing note and the b3 as a grace note approach.
Practice Tips
- Start with the E Major Pentatonic — the major blues scale adds just one note (the b3) as a chromatic passing tone.
- Use the b3 as a grace note — slide quickly through it to the major 3rd rather than dwelling on it.
- Improvise over a E Major chord: land on the root and major 3rd, pass through the b3 briefly for colour.
- Compare major and minor blues scales in E: major blues is bright and resolved, minor blues is darker and tenser.
- Practice at very slow tempo first — the blues feel comes from how you phrase notes, not how fast you play.
- Listen to country and classic rock solos to hear the major blues scale in action — identify that characteristic b3 grace note.