Blues Scales & Blues Licks
In this lesson we introduce blues scale material into our improvised solo. There are some important considerations when choosing which blues scale to use and we will explore these considerations and how we can choose the most appropriate blues scale or blues scales from which to derive our improvised melodies.
Analyse The Harmonic Movement
One of the most important considerations is to analyse where the harmony is moving. Looking at the first line of the tune, we can see that in the 2nd and 3rd bars we have a 251 progression. This is a 251 progression in Bb major which is a 251 to the IV chord of the key. Here the harmony is moving towards Bb major which is our point of resolution.
If we want to find a blues scale to play over this entire 251, a good place to start is to take the blues scale of the 1 chord. The 1 chord is a Bbmaj7 and so we’re going to use the Bb major blues scale.
Relative Major & Minor Blues Scales
Just as every major scale has a relative minor scale, every major blues scale has a relative minor blues scale. Using the Bb major blues scale as an example, the relative minor blues scale would be the G minor blues scale. It might be easier to think in terms of the G minor blues scale to the Bb major blues scale and so understand that these 2 scales contain the exact same notes.
There are some instances where I find it more practical to think in terms of the major blues scale and we’ll explore these situations on the 2nd line of the A Section.
Lesson Downloads
-
Blues Scales & Blues Licks File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
Learn how to get an authentic bluesy sound by using crushed notes, walk-ups, chromaticism, and New Orleans style licks and voicings.
We take each bar of the A Section and apply licks, fills, and melodic ornamentation that we can use to create a soulful bluesy vibe.
Using the tune “Georgia” – we will also explore the concept of the major blues scale and how to apply this to major 251 progressions.
Practice Tips
-
When searching for an appropriate blues scale, first analyse where the harmony is moving and build a blues scale from the chord of resolution.
-
As a practice exercise always find the relative major and minor blues scale as outlined in this lesson. It's useful to combine our material from both the major and minor blues scale.
-
Another useful method to identify appropriate blues scales is to look for common tones which are consistent in both the harmony and the blues scale in question.
-
An example is using the F major blues scale over the 251 in Bb major. The F major blues scale contains the 3rd and 7th of the Bbmaj7 and so it fits nicely with the harmony and the resolution of the chord changes.
