Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning

A Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same a minor blues scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
A, C, D, Eb, E, G
Formula
1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Semitones
0 3 5 6 7 10
Tuning
C F Bb Eb G C
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to C4
24-fret range
C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to A Minor Blues Scale: string 6 C (b3), string 3 Eb (b5), string 2 G (b7), and string 1 C (b3). None of those open-string tones is the A root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb3
String 3Ebb5
String 2Gb7
String 1Cb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 4
String 4Fret 11
String 3Fret 6
String 2Fret 2
String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest C string, the first A is at fret 9.

OpenCb3
Fret 2D4
Fret 3Ebb5
Fret 4E5
Fret 7Gb7
Fret 9A1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play A Minor Blues Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

A Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
A Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C F Bb Eb G C.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Minor Blues Scale and c standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings