Blues Scale

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The blues scale contains all the same notes as the minor pentatonic, with the addition of one note, the flatted fifth. Sometimes known as the "blue note" , the flatted fifth is usually used as a passing tone. What that means is, it is used to pass from one note to another, lasting only for a mere second and not even that in most cases lol. The flatted fifth is used in this way because it clashes with the natural fifth of the key, a note that is in most chords that the blues scale corresponds with when improvising. When it is used as a passing tone, the flatted fifth goes by so fast , that you don't really get to even hear the clash i was talking about.

Many great players over the years, have achieved a very haunting, eerie kind of feel in their guitar solos. The flatted fifth is great for this. As a result, sometimes you will hear someone resolve to the flatted fifth as well as use it as a passing tone. (Resolve means to end a phrase or lick on that note.)

You can avoid shakey territory by using the flatted fifth in a situation where it won't clash with background chords or bass lines. You don't have to limit the flatted fifth to just a solo. This note can be put into a verse, chorus, or any other part of a song where it creates a good effect, just as Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath used it in the main riff of the song "Black Sabbath".

This scale works over the same chords as the minor pentatonic. Just be sure to use the flatted fifth very carefully. Use your ears. If it sounds good, it is good!

Formula 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7