C major blues scale diatonic chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C major blues scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized C major blues scale adds a chromatic blue note to the major pentatonic chord family, introducing a touch of harmonic grit to an otherwise bright set of chords. The chords from C major blues are C minor, D suspended second, C minor, D suspended second, C minor, A suspended fourth. The blue note creates passing diminished and dominant colors that make simple I-IV-V progressions feel more soulful. Use these chords over a shuffle rhythm to capture the classic swing-blues and jazz-blues sound. Commonly used in Blues, Country, Jazz, Swing, Southern Rock. Notable players include B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King.
The C major blues scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 3 5 6.
Intervals: W-H-H-3H-W-3H.
Diatonic chords: C minor, D suspended second, C minor, D suspended second, C minor, A suspended fourth.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C minor |
| ii | D suspended second |
| iii | C minor |
| IV | D suspended second |
| V | C minor |
| vi | A suspended fourth |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C major blues scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C major blues scale on guitar.
major blues is the Major pentatonic with added b3 blue note. View C Major pentatonic scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over major and dominant 7th chords in blues, country, and swing contexts. Mix with minor blues for complete blues vocabulary.