Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning

E Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same e 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
E, G, A, Bb, B, D
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

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

String 4Bbb5
String 2Gb3

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11, with the E root at fret 4. On the highest C string, the first E is at fret 4.

Fret 2Db7
Fret 4E1
Fret 7Gb3
Fret 9A4
Fret 10Bbb5
Fret 11B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play E Minor Blues Scale on the low C string at frets 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Bb on open string 4 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the E root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 4, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

E Minor Blues Scale in C Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
E 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 E Minor Blues Scale and c standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

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Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings