Ab Minor Blues Scale
A♭-B-D♭-D-E♭-G♭
Formula:A-W-H-H-A-W
Intervals:P1-m3-P4-A4-P5-m7
Introduction
Enharmonic equivalent: A♭ is enharmonically equivalent to G♯. See G# Minor Blues Scale Scale.
Ab Minor Blues Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B | m3 |
| 3 | Mediant | D♭ | P4 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D | A4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | G♭ | m7 |
Key Signature
The key of Ab Minor Blues has 7 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of Ab Minor Blues Scale
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the Ab Minor Blues Scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — A♭ Minor (minor)
Ab Minor Blues Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Minor Blues Scale?
The Ab Minor Blues Scale has six notes: Ab Cb Db D Eb Gb (plus the octave). It is the Ab Minor Pentatonic Scale with one added note — the b5 (also called the "blue note"). This b5 creates the characteristic tense, expressive quality of blues music.
What is the blue note in the Ab Minor Blues Scale?
The blue note is the b5 — the note between the 4th and 5th scale degrees. In Ab Minor Blues it is D. It creates harmonic tension that wants to resolve either up to the 5th or down to the 4th, giving blues its characteristic "bent" sound.
How is the Ab Minor Blues Scale used in music?
The Ab Minor Blues Scale is the foundation of blues, jazz blues, rock, and soul improvisation. It works over Ab minor chords, Ab7 dominant chords, and across the full 12-bar blues in Ab. The blue note (b5) is typically used as a passing tone rather than a held note.
What is the difference between the Ab Minor Blues Scale and Ab Minor Pentatonic?
The Ab Minor Blues Scale has one extra note — the b5 (D) — inserted between the 4th and 5th. This is the only difference. The b5 adds tension and expressiveness, creating the blues sound. The minor pentatonic is the same scale without it.
Can I mix the Ab Minor Blues Scale with the major blues scale?
Yes — mixing major and minor blues scales over the same chord is a hallmark of authentic blues playing. This technique creates the "major/minor ambiguity" heard in classic blues and rock. Start with the minor blues, then add major blues notes (especially the major 3rd) for colour.
How do I practise the Ab Minor Blues Scale?
Start with the Ab Minor Pentatonic first — add the blue note (D) only after you know the 5 pentatonic notes. Use the blue note as a passing tone between the 4th and 5th, not as a note to land on. Improvise slowly over a Ab7 chord, targeting the root, b3, and 5th as anchor tones.
Practice Tips
- Learn the Ab Minor Pentatonic first — the blues scale is that scale plus one note (D, the blue note).
- Use the blue note as a passing tone only — slide through it between the 4th and 5th, don't land on it and hold it.
- Improvise over a Ab7 chord using just 3 notes at first: root, b3, and 5th. Add the blue note when those feel solid.
- Listen to blues recordings in Ab and try to identify when the blue note appears — train your ear before your fingers.
- Practice the scale in rhythmic patterns (long-short, short-long) to develop the phrasing feel of blues music.
- Mix major and minor blues notes: play the Ab Minor Blues scale then slip in the major 3rd (natural 3rd) for the classic major/minor blues sound.