What are the notes of the E minor blues scale?

The notes are E, G, A, B♭, B, D.

What is the pattern of the E minor blues scale?

The sequence of steps is W+H – W – H – H – W+H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.

Which chords is the E minor blues scale used over?

It is used over Em7, Em7♭5: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

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E minor blues scale

The E minor blues scale is made of the notes E, G, A, B♭, B, D. It has 6 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.

Blues · 6 notes

Note names

1E
♭3G
4A
♭5B♭
5B
♭7D

PatternW+H – W – H – H – W+H – W(W = whole step, H = half step)

The pentatonic scales with one extra passing note, the blue note. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

Open in the scale finder

Mode and chords

The minor pentatonic with the diminished 5th, the "blue note". It is the blues scale par excellence, also used in rock and jazz.

Used overEm7 Em7♭5

Put it into practice

The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.

Generate more exercises on this scale

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the E minor blues scale?: The notes are E, G, A, B♭, B, D.
What is the pattern of the E minor blues scale?: The sequence of steps is W+H – W – H – H – W+H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Which chords is the E minor blues scale used over?: It is used over Em7, Em7♭5: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.

Texts and tools by Stefano Corradi, professional musician and developer. Last updated: October 9, 2026.