C Major Blues is a blues scale from the bright, consonant major family. Major pentatonic with an added minor 3rd. The Major Blues scale contains 6 notes: C, D, Eb, E, G, A. With a formula of 1 - 2 - b3 - 3 - 5 - 6, it uses eight or more notes for a denser harmonic palette. This scale is suitable for intermediate players looking to expand their vocabulary.
The C Major Blues scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - 2 - b3 - 3 - 5 - 6, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Major Second (2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6) above the root C. The notes are C, D, Eb, E, G, A. Starting from the C major scale (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B), the Major Blues scale takes the natural major degrees. Key characteristics: Major pentatonic + b3. Mix of major/minor 3rd.
C Major Blues sounds bright, uplifting, and consonant. The major third (E) gives it its characteristic happy quality, while the perfect fifth (G) provides harmonic stability. The natural half-step intervals create gentle forward motion. The emotional feeling is one of brightness, resolution, and optimism. This scale is the foundation of Western music and appears in virtually every genre from classical to pop.
C Major Blues works best in Blues, Rockabilly, Country music. Use it over major chord progressions to create bright, consonant melodies. It works beautifully as a starting point for improvisation over I-IV-V and I-V-vi-IV progressions.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. I - IV - V
2. I7 - IV7
Related scales:
- Minor Blues
- Major Pentatonic
- Blues Scale
Practice Routine for C Major Blues:
5 minutes: Play each note of the C Major Blues scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note.
10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision.
20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in C major. Improvise melodies using only the Major Blues scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing.
30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (I - IV - V). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character
- Not listening to the intervals individually
- Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood)
- Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important
Intermediate Tips: Learn the scale in at least 3 positions across the fretboard. Practice connecting positions. Try improvising with only 3-4 notes at a time to develop melodic ideas.
pages.scaleDetail.frequentlyAskedQuestions
What is the C Major Blues scale?
C Major Blues is a blues scale consisting of 6 notes: C, D, Eb, E, G, A. The formula is 1 - 2 - b3 - 3 - 5 - 6. Major pentatonic with an added minor 3rd.
What notes are in the C Major Blues scale?
The C Major Blues scale contains the notes C, D, Eb, E, G, A. These correspond to the formula 1 - 2 - b3 - 3 - 5 - 6, which represents the intervals Root (1), Major Second (2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6) above the root C.
What is the formula for the C Major Blues scale?
The formula for the C Major Blues scale is 1 - 2 - b3 - 3 - 5 - 6. This means it uses the Root (1), Major Second (2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6) intervals from the root note C.
How do you play the C Major Blues scale on guitar?
To play the C Major Blues scale on guitar, start at the root note C and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the C Major Blues scale used for?
C Major Blues is commonly used in Blues, Rockabilly, Country, Rock music. It works well over major chord progressions for bright, consonant melodies.
Is the C Major Blues scale the same as C major?
Yes, the C Major Blues scale is the same as the C major scale. They share the same notes and intervals.
What chords go well with the C Major Blues scale?
Chords that work well with the C Major Blues scale include I - IV - V, I7 - IV7. The scale's major character makes it compatible with Blues and Rockabilly chord progressions.